bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Aggregate Data in Alcohol Epidemiology
Authors: NORSTRÖM THOR
Published: January 2006

Analyses of aggregate data have the potential of elucidating pivotal issues in alcohol epidemiology, in particular those singled out by the public health perspective, such as the impact of per capita alcohol consumption on various damage rates. This article discusses the possibilities and limitations of the two main approaches in the analysis of aggregate data, focusing upon ecological and time series data, respectively. In addition, a synthetic approach is outlined, which aims at an integration of macro and micro findings. In that context it is shown how effect measures which are normally based on micro data (relative risk and attributable fraction) can be derived from macro data.
Services for Prisoners with Alcohol‐related Problems: a survey of U.K. prisons
Authors: McMURRAN MARY , BALDWIN STEVE
Published: January 2006

Offenders have been identified as heavy drinkers who admit to a relationship between drinking and offending. Many prisoners express a desire to reduce their alcohol consumption. The extent of alcohol interventions in U.K. prisons was unknown and so a postal survey was conducted to gather basic information about current work. Of all responding establishments, 91% claimed to provide services for prisoners with alcohol‐related problems and 58% gave details of these services. Services are provided mainly by probation officers/social workers, prison officers and Alcoholics Anonymous. Group and individual interventions are described. Service development has been haphazard, lacking central co‐ordination. A case is made for appointment of a central facilitator responsible for staff training, establishing a communications network, encouraging new interventions to match clients' needs, encouraging closer links with community workers and guiding evaluative research.
A Comparison of a Prospective Diary and Two Summary Recall Techniques for Recording Alcohol Consumption
Authors: HILTON MICHAEL E.
Published: January 2006

Recent reliability studies in which self reports of alcohol consumption taken from diaries have been compared against retrospective recall of alcohol consumption have yielded contradictory results. While the popular wisdom, supported by some excellent studies (Lemmens et al., 1988a; Poikolainen & Kärkkäinen, 1983) is that diaries yield the more accurate account, some studies have shown better results with a retrospective recall (Midanik et al., 1989; Simpura, 1988). The present study of 83 volunteer subjects compares a diary with two retrospective recall procedures—a graduated quantity frequency approach developed at the Alcohol Research Group and a beverage‐specific, usual amount procedure used in the U.S. National Health Interview Survey series. Subjects were asked to complete all three procedures. Results show that both of the recall techniques tested achieved an acceptable level of reliability when compared against the results of prospective diaries. The implication of this is that the more easily administered recall techniques may be acceptable for many research purposes.
Treatment for the Addictions in a Psychiatric Setting
Authors: BLUME SHEILA B.
Published: January 2006

The Alcoholism, Chemical Dependency and Compulsive Gambling Services at South Oaks Hospital (a 334‐bed private psychiatric facility in Amityville, New York) are discussed. Psychodrama and other group methods are integral parts of the program the interdisciplinary treatment team, headed by a psychiatrist, includes addiction counsellors. Outpatient continuing care and self‐help groups are stressed.
Cleaning the People's Home: recent developments in Sweden's addiction policy
Authors: GOULD ARTHUR
Published: January 2006

Legislation has recently been passed in the Swedish parliament to criminalize drug use and widen the powers of the authorities to take adult alcoholics and drug addicts into care. The arguments and debates that have led to these measures are described, drawing on official reports, legislative proposals and parliamentary proceedings. The Swedish attempt to create a drug‐free society is linked with recent economic problems, a temperance tradition, and a strong cultural desire for order. These have contributed towards a climate which two pressure groups in particular have manipulated to their advantage.
Mortality Among Alcoholics Discharged From a Japanese Hospital
Authors: OHARA KOICHI , SUZUKI YASUO , SUGITA TOMOKI , KOBAYASHI KAZUHIRO , TAMEFUSA KAZUTOMO , HATTORI SHINYA , OHARA KENSHIRO
Published: January 2006

A study of mortality among alcoholics was carried out involving patients discharged from the alcoholic ward of a Hamamatsu University‐affiliated hospital from 1972 to 1984 (1021 patients). The average age at death was 48,4 years. The causes of death were divided into three groups; ‘diseases, accidents’, ‘suicide and homicide’, accounting for 73.5%, 10.5% and 7.3% of 257 deaths, respectively. Death rates per 1000 persons for the years at risk were compared with the expected rates for the general population. Briefly, the death rates for patients were more than 10 times as large as those in the general population. Our results showed that liver cirrhosis and heart failure ranked high among the causes of death in alcoholics. Among patients who died, only 3.1% were total abstainers after discharge from hospital, which was an extremely low proportion in comparison with the average cross‐total abstinence rate of 25.8% among patients after discharge.
At Risk Drinking in Primary Care: report from a survey in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: IACOPONI EDUARDO , RAMOS LARANJEIRA RONALDO , ROBERTO JORGE MIGUEL
Published: January 2006

This article describes the prevalence of at risk drinking among patients attending the primary health care sector in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Five percent of the screened population answered positively to two or more questions on the CAGE questionnaire; 12% of male and 3% of female subjects were considered to be at risk drinking. Patients socio‐demographic characteristics were analysed by means of logistic models. Variables sex, age, employment status and years living in Sao Paulo had significant effects on the risk of being a CAGE high‐scorer.
Alcoholism and the ‘New Genetics’: a comment
Authors: SCHUCKIT MARC A.
Published: January 2006

Mullen's Alcoholism and the ‘New Genetics’ presents a broad overview of issues relevant to studies of genetic factors in alcoholism. This piece is especially timely because investigations into hereditary factors in alcohol‐related disorders are at an important crossroads. Family, twin, and adoption studies all point towards the importance of genetic influences, but the studies are not unanimous. Before further effort is expanded in this area, it is important to develop an accurate picture of what has been accomplished, and to form some opinions on how likely it is that the conclusions are valid. It is also time to begin to speculate on the next logical steps for this research. Mullen's piece has a striking cogency and I endorse much of what is said. Below are some further comments. All in all, this is a good time to take stock of the issues.
Alcohol Advertising in Developing Countries
Authors: AITKEN P. P.
Published: January 2006

Alcohol consumption appears to be increasing in some developing countries. Groups who previously did not drink alcohol, such as young people and women, are now increasingly beginning to drink. Recent anecdotal observations by researchers in Lesotho suggest that aggressive advertising may play a part in encouraging drinking among the young. This commentary suggests that surveys of alcohol advertising and youthful drinking in developing countries would be particularly useful in monitoring the influence of alcohol advertising in rapidly expanding markets. Recent studies have described simple measures of awareness and appreciation of alcohol advertising, which discriminate between under‐age drinkers and non‐drinkers. These measures could be readily adapted by researchers responsible for the design of surveys of youthful drinking.
Changing Trends in Drug Use: the second follow‐up of a local heroin using community
Authors: GEORGE MICHAEL , ERASER ANDREW
Published: January 2006

The first Seadown study documented the way in which police action in closing down the cohort's central point for meeting and drug distribution had effectively destroyed the long established heroin distribution network. Throughout the period of low heroin availability the social network of the cohort was preserved as members developed a whole range of alternative coping styles (displacement activities) in compensation for the enforced abstinence caused by the heroin drought. During the period of observation heroin returned to Seadown initially through a small, unstable and informal distribution co‐operative and stayed in this phase until a new central meeting place had been established. Thereafter once a pyramidal distribution network developed, most cohort members were able to modify or stop their displacement activities to accommodate the re‐availability of heroin.
The Effect of Alcohol Intoxication on Primary and Secondary Processes in Male Social Drinkers
Authors: GUSTAFSON ROLAND , KÄLLMÉN HÅKAN
Published: January 2006

The acute effects of alcohol intoxication on cognitive style and on locus of control was investigated in an experimental setting. Sixty male subjects were randomly assigned to either an Alcohol, a Placebo, or a Control group. The alcohol dose was 1.0 ml of 100% alcohol/kg body weight. Subjects filled out a modified version of Rotter's locus of control scale and reported their perceptions to Street's Gestalt Completion Test. The latter test was scored in a standardized way for stimulus closeness, indicating a reality oriented and rational functioning, and stimulus distance, indicating a more primitive, irrational and pleasure oriented functioning. Alcohol made subjects less internally controlled and decreased the reality oriented functioning while the pleasure oriented functioning was not affected. Results were discussed in terms of pharmacological mechanisms, disinhibition, and creativity.
The characteristics of alcoholics in treatment arrested for Driving While Impaired
Authors: MACDONALD SCOTT , PEDERSON LINDA L.
Published: January 2006

Relationships were explored between various characteristics: and Driving While Impaired (DWI) arrests, within a sample of 258 hospitalized male alcoholics. Information on four groups of variables were collected using a self–administered questionnaire: socio–demographic characteristics, drinking characteristics, driving characteristics and psychosocial characteristics. Subjects were subdivided into three groups; those with zero DWI arrests, one DWI arrest and multiple DWI arrests. The results of bivariate analyses showed that while Groups 0 and 1 were very similar to each other, those in Group 2 differed significantly from at least one of the other two groups for about one half of the variables studied. A multivariate discriminant analyses demonstrated that there were no important differences between people with 0 and 1 DWI arrests, as people with one arrest were usually classified as having zero arrests.
Alcohol use and the appearance of alcohol problems among first offender drunk drivers
Authors: GRUENEWALD PAUL J. , STEWART KATHRYN , KLITZNER MICHAEL
Published: January 2006

Drinking patterns among first offender drunk drivers are described using two quantitative dimensions, drinking frequency (the number of occasions on which alcohol was consumed) and continuation (the probability that the drinker will go on to drink several drinks once one drink has been consumed). The two independent dimensions of drinking patterns are shown to be differentially related to demographic characteristics of the subject population. Further, the patterns of drinking described by the two dimensions predict the appearance of alcohol related problems. It is demonstrated that demographic characteristics of the sample are also related to reports of alcohol problems independent of drinking frequency and continuation.
Giving ethanol to alcoholics in a research setting: its effect on compliance with disulfiram treatment
Authors: KRANZLER HENRY R. , DOLINSKY ZELIG , KAPLAN RICHARD F.
Published: January 2006

In order to evaluate the effect of experimental ethanol administration on disulfiram compliance, a 6‐month follow‐up study was conducted with inpatient alcoholics. Two groups of patients were studied. Though not randomly assigned, the groups were matched on a variety of demographic and alcoholic‐related variables. One group (N= 15) received ethanol in a laboratory‐based study while the other group (N= 21) underwent treatment as usual. Days of disulfiram use did not differ between groups at follow‐up. Studies concerning compliance with disulfiram support the validity of this measure as an indicator of treatment outcome. Our findings are consistent with other studies of the effect of experimental administration of ethanol to alcoholics, in that there were no immediate adverse effects and treatment outcome did not appear to suffer as a consequence of ethanol exposure.
Public opinion on alcohol policies
Authors: PENDLETON LAURA L. , SMITH CHRISTOPHER , ROBERTS JOHN L.
Published: January 2006

In recent years leading authorities and organizations have been recommending policies to combat alcohol abuse. These policies range from restrictions on availability to curbs on drinking and driving. However, the policies have not been presented in any priority order, nor is it char how acceptable they will be to the general public. This report sets out public opinion on 21 key policies and looks at recent changes in public support in this area. It shows that there are a wide range of policies on alcohol which are well supported by the general public. It seems that the vast majority of both drinkers and non‐drinkers would like to see more detailed labelling on alcoholic drinks, further action in the area of drinking and driving, the promotion of alternatives to alcohol in pubs, a levy on alcohol advertising, bans on the sale of alcohol at a variety of sports meetings, more alcohol education in schools and stricter enforcement of the laws on under‐age drinking. In addition, the survey reveals greater public support for restrictions on the promotion of alcohol and the introduction of random breath testing, than had been found one year previously. It is suggested that these findings could be used for setting an agenda on the implementation of policies to reduce alcohol abuse.
Subtyping male alcoholics by family history of alcohol abuse and co‐occurring psychiatric disorder: a bi‐dimensional model
Authors: READ MARSHA R. , PENICK ELIZABETH C. , POWELL BARBARA J. , NICKEL ELIZABETH J. , BINGHAM STEPHEN F. , CAMPBELL JAN
Published: January 2006

Six studies of 568 alcoholics in treatment are summonsed to illustrate the interactive effects of familial alcoholism, other forms of family psychopathology and the lifetime prevalence of additional psychiatric disorder on the onset and course of male alcoholism. A family history of alcoholism as well as additional co‐occurring psychiatric syndromes were associated with (1) earlier onsets of problem drinking, (2) a more virulent course and (3) greater heterogeneity of psychopathology among first degree relatives. A bi‐dimensional method of classifying male alcoholics is proposed which combines a family history of abusive drinking and the presence or absence of co‐morbid psychiatric disorders. Implications for the clinical researcher and practitioner are briefly discussed.
Tobacco use in a cohort of children in Sri Lanka
Authors: MENDIS SHANTHI
Published: January 2006

This study designed to examine the smoking behaviour and attitude of children were carried out on 3447, 11 to 18 year old Sri Lankan School children. The prevalence of smoking in urban and rural children are 7.2% and 4.3% respectively. 0.5% of children chew tobacco or use tobacco snuff. Friends smoking behaviour and attitude are the best predictors of smoking in children. The knowledge of health hazards of smoking is poor and is related to smoking behaviour.
An evil trade
Authors: Raw Martin
Published: January 2006

Surveys in the UK show that young people have no difficulty buying cigarettes even though the law forbids their sale under the age of 16. That, essentially, is what Martin Jarvis & Ann McNeill's paper in this issue of the British Journal of Addiction shows. In ‘Children's purchases of single cigarettes: evidence for drug pushing?’ they show how easily 14‐to 15‐year‐old children buy their cigarettes, but with an added twist–many shops break open the packs and sell single cigarettes to children who cannot afford, or do not yet need, a whole packet. This editorial discusses the reasons for this state of affairs and notes the similarities with the situation in the USA, where the Secretary of State for Health has expressed concern. The tobacco industry has expressed concern also but has shown a cynical and typical lack of interest in correcting the situation and, in fact, has failed to respond to suggested solutions. Shops who illegally sell cigarettes to children should be regarded as the drug pushers they are, and treated accordingly.
A follow‐up study of Asian problem drinkers
Authors: HEOK KUA EE , MENG KO SOO , SING TIAN CHEONG , YEO BRIAN , HALSTEAD SIMON , MAHENDRAN RATHE
Published: January 2006

This is a follow‐up study of 70 patients referred for treatment of drinking problems. At the end of 12 months, it was found that 60% remained in abstinence, 8.5% social drinking, 28.5% relapsed or defaulted and 3% died. A poor outcome was observed in patients between 20 and 39 years old as compared to those between 40 and 59 years old. Patients with SADQ scores of less than 20 had good outcomes. However, there was no significant difference between Indian and Chinese patients. Marital status and social class were not useful predictors of outcome.
Drinking, the construction of ethnic iDentity and social process in a Western Australian youth subculture
Authors: MOORE DAVID
Published: January 2006

This paper presents an anthropological analysis of the meaning of drinking for the male members of the Skinhead youth subculture in Perth, Western Australia. Perth Skinheads are an exported and modified form of the original English Skinhead subculture. Using participant observation as the primary research method, the style of drinking is analysed as one of the ways in which the members of this subculture express their English ethnicity and constitutive of the social processes which underpin the subculture. The article also explores the reasons why Perth Skinheads do not conform to a pattern of drinking in rounds held to be characteristic of some working class drinking groups.
Correlates of alcoholic beverage preference: traits of persons who choose wine, liquor or beer
Authors: KLATSKY ARTHUR L. , ARMSTRONG MARY ANNE , KIPP HARALD
Published: January 2006

We studied correlates of wine, hard liquor or beer preference among 53172 white men and women in a Northern California prepaid health plan. Preference for a beverage type was reported by 51% of drinkers; 22% of persons with a preference reported exclusive use of the preferred beverage. Persons who prefer wine are likely to be women, temperate, young or middle‐aged, non‐smokers, better educated and free of symptoms or risk of illness. Persons who prefer liquor are likely to be men, heavier drinkers, middle‐aged or older, less educated and afflicted with symptoms or risk factors for major illnesses. Persons who prefer beer are likely to be young men who are intermediate between wine and liquor preferrers for most traits. The traits of persons reporting exclusive use of a beverage type were similar. These data identify correlates of beverage choice which need to be controlled for in alcohol‐health studies.
Are increases in treatment levels and Alcoholics Anonymous membership large enough to reduce liver cirrhosis rates?★
Authors: SMART REGINALD G. , MANN ROBERT E.
Published: January 2006

Recent reductions in liver cirrhosis morbidity and mortality rates have been noted in many Western countries. We have previously observed that these declines are associated with increases in treatment for alcohol abuse over regions of Ontario, and increases in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) membership over American states. One important question is whether the potential impact of treatment and AA membership increases could be large enough to have an impact on population cirrhosis rates. We explore this issue using estimates of the effects of treatment and AA membership, and of the likelihood of alcohol abusers developing cirrhosis, derived from the research literature. The results suggest that increases in treatment and AA membership could indeed have made important contributions to declines in cirrhosis mortality and morbidity in Ontario (1975–82) and the USA (1979–82).
Children's purchases of single cigarettes: eviDence for drug pushing?
Authors: JARVIS MARTIN J. , MCNEILL ANN D.
Published: January 2006

The purchase of single cigarettes from shops by children aged 14 and 15, to whom all cigarette sales are illegal, was studied in a survey of 3513 teenagers attending nine state secondary schools in the Bristol area. Of those children who had tried smoking only once, 5% reported having at some time purchased a single cigarette from a shop. This percentage rose to 18% in current occasional smokers of less than 1 cigarette per week, and reached 52% in those smoking more than 6 cigarettes per week. There was no difference by sex or age, but some eviDence of an association with family smoking habits and with social class, and wide variation between schools. In the school with the highest incidence, 80% of regular daily smokers had at some time bought single cigarettes from a shop, compared with 14% in the school with the lowest. Only 1% of children who smoked said that buying single cigarettes from shops was their usual way of getting cigarettes. Our results imply a cynical flouting of the law by many shopkeepers who are acting straightforwardly as drug pushers.
Alcohol taxation: EC approximation and its UK effects
Authors: McGUINNESS TONY
Published: January 2006

The paper reviews the European Commission's (EC's) latest proposals for the approximation of indirect taxes on alcohol. In them, the Commission publicly and unequivocally accepts the connection between alcohol taxes and health. The paper compares the proposed target rates with existing alcohol taxes in the UK, and presents some simulated estimates of their effect on UK consumption. The estimates are preliminary, but are published now rather than risk delaying until the EC has taken irreversible decisions. They relate to 1988, the latest year for which simulations could be run, and suggest that, if the target rates had applied then in the UK, consumption per adult would have been more than two litres of pure alcohol higher than otherwise. The paper also reviews the objectives of a Single Internal Market in the EC and argues that indirect tax approximation is not necessary to achieve them. The current EC proposals are a serious threat to alcohol control policy in the UK, but are unnecessary to attaining the basic goals of a Single Internal Market and contain an open invitation for Member States to argue for national sovereignty, on health grounds, in choosing rates of alcohol excise duty. The paper suggests that this should be the UK argument in continuing discussions at the Community level.
Poppy tea drinking in East Anglia
Authors: LONDON M. , O'REGAN T. , AUST P. , STOCKFORD A.
Published: January 2006

Poppy tea drinking was a widespread traditional practice in the Fenlands of East Anglia during the nineteenth century. The subsequent social changes which led to greater integration of the area with the rest of the country may have contributed to a decline in the practice. In recent years poppy tea drinking has been revived within the illicit drug using community and a survey using a self‐report questionnaire was carried out among patients attending the Cambridge Drug Dependency Unit. Forty‐three patients admitted to drinking poppy tea, usually during the summer months and on an intermittent basis. The potency of the infusion varied and was unpredictable but in general was low. Although poisoning from herbicides and pesticides was seen as the main risk, it is in the main perceived by drug users as a harmless secondary activity existing alongside the more regular and more potent drugs of misuse.
Behavioural (non‐chemical) addictions
Authors: Marks Isaac
Published: January 2006

‘Addiction’ denotes repetitive routines that aim to obtain chemicals and, less often, routines without that aim. The latter are behavioural addictions. They include obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), compulsive spending (including gambling), overeating (bulimia), hypersexuality (straight or deviant), and kleptomania. Common across dependence syndromes is: a repeated urge to engage in behaviour known to be counterproductive; mounting tension until it is completed; rapid temporary switching off of the tension by completing the behaviour; gradual return of the urge; syndrome‐specific external and perhaps internal cues for the urge; secondary conditioning of the urge to external and internal cues; similar strategies for relapse prevention by cue exposure and stimulus control. The urge to complete a behaviour and discomfort if prevented from this resemble the craving and the withdrawal (WD) symptoms of substance abusers. Some WD symptoms are common to several addictive syndromes while others may be more specific. Addiction (pull) and compulsion (push) overlap and can occur sequentially or concurrently. Different addictions occur with varying amounts of pleasure at various stages. Prolonged exposure can enduringly reduce the urge and discomfort in OCD, and may help some other addictions. Conditioned cues are important and for lasting efficacy a therapist may need to know their details for each syndrome. There may be some similarities in the early management and prevention of relapse of behavioural and chemical addictions.
Influence of religion and culture on drinking behaviours: a test of hypotheses between Canada and the USA★
Authors: ENGS RUTH C. , HANSON DAVID J. , GLIKSMAN LOUIS , SMYTHE CYNTHIA
Published: January 2006

American Roman Catholic and mainstream Protestant students consume more alcohol and have more alcohol abuse problem compared to Canadian students within the same religious groups. Among abstinent oriented Protestants there was no difference in regards to alcohol consumption or problems related to drinking between the countries. For Jews there were mixed results with Americans exhibiting similar consumption rates but reporting more problems related to drinking compared to the Canadians. Among this sample it was concluded that religious norms have a greater influence in cohesive religious groups while cultural norms are more influential among less cohesive groups. The results also support the Canadian ‘Mosaic'and American ‘Melting Pot’ assumption.
Do children of lone parents smoke more because their mothers do?
Authors: GREEN GILL , MACINTYRE SALLY , WEST PATRICK , ECOB RUSSELL
Published: January 2006

This short report examines the association between smoking behaviours of mothers and their 15 year old children, and whether there is a difference between families headed by a mother living alone or with a partner. It is based on data collected from a cohort of young people and their mothers (N=967), resident in the West of Scotland. We found no evidence that children of lone mothers smoke more because their mothers do; the familial transmission of smoking behaviour, at 15, appeared to be less apparent in households headed by lone than cohabiting mothers.
Book Reviews
Authors: GOSSOP MICHAEL
Published: January 2006

Book reviewed in this article:

The Meaning of AIDS ERIC T. JUENGST & BARBARA A. KOENIG (Eds)

AIDS: A Combined Environmental and Systems Approach P. VAN STEIJN (Ed.)

AIDS: Policies and Programs in the Workplace KATHLEEN C. BROWN & JOAN G. TURNER

Reducing Benzodiazepine Consumption: Psychological Contributions to General Practice M. A. CORMACK, R. G. OWENS & M. E. DEWEY

In‐patient Treatment for Alcoholism HEINRICH KUFNER & WILHELM FEUERLEIN

Manual of Drug and Alcohol Abuse—Guidelines for Teaching in Medical and Health Institutions AWNI ARIF & JOSEPH WESTERMEYER (Eds)

State Monopolies and Alcohol Prevention. Report and Working Papers of a Collaborative International Study, The Social Research Institute of Alcohol Studies Report No. 181 Helsinki, The Finnish Alcohol Company, 1989 TIMO KORTTEINEN (Ed.)
Beyond Platitudes: Problem Drug Use: a review of training
Authors: Farrell Michael
Published: January 2006

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has published a report entitled Problem Drug Use: A Review of Training. It reviews existing training and the organization of training in the UK. It recommends that future training should be conducted on a substance problems basis with the integration of drug and alcohol problems. It recommends that each speciality should define minimal standards and that basic training should cover substance problems and states that there is a need for standardization and thorough evaluation of all training activities. The committee recommends the establishment of a National Drug Training Development Agency. The report is critically reviewed and compared to previous reports on training in the drug and alcohol field published in the past decade. Recommendations made ten years ago have still not been implemented. Are such reports an alternative to action? It is argued that a strong network of national trainers is the only foundation on which an effective and organizationally coherent training system can be developed over the next decade.
Occupational risk factors in alcoholism
Authors: CLARKE MADELEINE , FARID BASEM , ROMANIUK HELENA
Published: January 2006

This study has investigated the presence and influence of six of the eight risk factors previously identified, which are common to occupations associated with high rates of alcoholism. The factors studied were availability of alcohol at work, social pressure to drink from colleagues, separation from family due to work commitments, lack of supervision, collusion by colleagues, and stresses and strains. The sample was drawn from problem drinkers attending a community drug treatment centre in London. None of the six factors was found to have a significant influence on the development or maintenance of these subjects' alcohol problems. It is concluded that these risk factors, while previously shown to be associated with those who seek medical treatment for the physical consequences of long‐term alcohol misuse, are not of significance in the different populations of those who present for psychological alcohol treatment.
The role of family formation and dissolution in shaping drinking behaviour in early adulthood
Authors: POWER C. , ESTAUGH V.
Published: January 2006

The role of family formation and dissolution was examined in relation to alcohol consumption in early adulthood, using longitudinal data from a large representative British sample (the 1958 cohort). In comparison with other potential influences upon drinking, including employment and financial circumstances, social position and psychological wellbeing, the family formation patterns of young adults were most strongly associated with their current drinking. Stability and change in drinking between adolescence and early adulthood were also examined. Results were generally consistent with stable partnerships and family formation exerting a moderating influence on drinking since marriage and parenthood were most prevalent among groups reducing consumption or maintaining the lighter drinking of their teens. Most importantly, partnership breakdown was associated with heavier drinking established at age 16 and increasing consumption between adolescence and early adulthood.
Hypomanic personality trait in cocaine addiction
Authors: LEMERE FREDERICK , SMITH JAMES W.
Published: January 2006

An analysis of 292 private patients treated for cocaine addiction showed the following. Comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders were found in 19% and preaddiction Axis I disorders in 9% of these patients. Psychopathology at the time of treatment appeared to be more the result of than the cause of the addiction. Of these patients 63% had become addicted pursuing euphoria. A definitive nonpathologic unipolar hypomanic subtype of cocaine addict was observed in 13% of these 292 patients. This was manifested more as a trait than a disorder. This subgroup had been reasonably well adjusted, fun‐loving and action oriented extroverts before their addiction. The rush and lifestyle of cocaine fit the imperatives of their personality. In a significant subtype of cocaine addict, an underlying hypomanic personality trait is ego‐syntonic with the abuse of cocaine.
The tobacco use research program at Oregon Research Institute
Authors: LICHTENSTEIN EDWARD , BIGLAN ANTHONY , GLASGOW RUSSELL E. , SEVERSON HERBERT , ARY DENNIS
Published: January 2006

The research program at ORI deals with both adolescent and adult tobacco use and is guided by a behavioral framework which emphasizes the role of the social context in tobacco use onset, maintenance and cessation. Growing appreciation of the importance of social context variables, combined with an emerging recognition of the need for a public health rather than clinical perspective on tobacco use, have led to a focus on interventions in larger social systems such as schools, worksites, health care plans, and communities. This research requires attention to the science of behavior change at both the individual and organizational levels.
Regularity in alcohol distributions: implications for the collective nature of drinking behaviour
Authors: TAN E. S. , LEMMENS P. H. R M. , KONING A. J.
Published: January 2006

The assumption of a one parameter lognormal distribution in the Ledermann theory is relaxed. Implications of only regularity in distributional farm for the collective nature of drinking behaviour are considered. It is shown that there must be a so‐called point of attraction over which an increase in mean consumption will result in a decrease of percentile point value. The validity of regularity in distributional form and the practical relevance of the Ledermann model is discussed. An example from Dutch data on alcohol consumption among men obtained in 1970 and 1985 illustrates the relevance of an existing point of attraction.
Natural history of parenteral drug addicts treated in a general hospital
Authors: MUGA R. , TOR J. , GINESTA C. , MELUS R. , JACAS C. , REY‐JOLY C. , FOZ M.
Published: January 2006

The progress of 298 heroin addicts treated for different reasons in a general hospital from 1984 to 1987 is followed, in order to know the remission degree of parenteral drug use and mortality rates in heroin abusers, after being treated for organic diseases or undergoing quick detoxification treatment. After an average of 25 months since their first visit or admission, information was obtained in 90% of the cases, and of these, it was confirmed that 4% (11/266) had died and that 6% (15/255) were in prison. Of the remainder, reliable information was obtained from 66% (158/240), of whom 40% were no longer endovenous drug users, while 54% were still addicted to parenteral drugs. The results showed a higher percentage of remission in patients that had been admitted for organic diseases (39/65; 60%) than in those that had been treated for detoxification (30/93; 35%) (P<0.05).
Criminality of heroin users presenting to an Australian hospital‐based drug and alcohol unit
Authors: DESLAND MALCOLM , BATEY ROBERT
Published: January 2006

The rates of criminality of two groups of heroin users presenting to Westmead Hospital were studied. Forty‐seven heroin users referred by a structured court diversion scheme (DACAP) were compared with 45 self‐referred heroin users. Demographic data, heroin use measures, non‐narcotic drug use, and alcohol use were collected by semi‐structured interview. Official records were used for measures of criminality. This provided a comprehensive profile of conviction and incarceration rates. Each sample was compared on the age at presentation, intensity and duration of heroin use, and presenting rates of criminality. Results demonstrated the DACAP sample was significantly less heroin involved at presentation with a marginally shorter history of use. Comparisons on criminality demonstrated no difference between samples on six measures. The DACAP group recorded significantly higher levels on two criminality measures, the reverse of what was hypothesized. It is suggested that the DACAP diversion scheme generates a distinct subpopulation of heroin users, characterized by younger age, lower education, less marital attachment, poorer employment history, earlier onset of antisocial behaviour and comparable criminality. Identifiable subpopulations of heroin users appear to be generated by the different referral sources: legal or health oriented. The utility of diverting a more criminally and socially dysfunctional group to treatment agencies is discussed.
Help‐seeking and referrals in a needle exchange: a comprehensive service to injecting drug users
Authors: CARVELL ANDREA M. , HART GRAHAM J.
Published: January 2006

From November 1987 to March 1989 total number of clients, visits made, including numbers of new clients and second visits, and referrals to other agencies were routinely monitored at The Cleveland Street Needle Exchange, the Middlesex Hospital, London. During the study period a total of 510 onward referrals were made, involving 277 clients. Of these, 305 (59.7%) were to drug agencies and 187 (36.7%) to medical services. A sample of clients were interviewed to identify demographic and behavioural characteristics. Comparisons were made between those clients receiving referrals and the general client population; no significant differences were found in terms of sex, age and current patterns of drug use. However, those who accepted and took up referrals were found to have begun opiate use, injecting drug use and daily injecting at an earlier age than the general client population. The scheme attracts and retains its clients and provides a comprehensive service to a client group not currently in contact with other services.
Bandits on the run: the oral snuff debate
Authors: McNeill Ann D.
Published: January 2006

Abstract. This month we publish a series of commentaries on oral tobacco which focuses particularly on the strategies to market these products by an industry desperate for new market and new sales.
Moist snuff in Sweden—tradition and evolution
Authors: NORDGREN PAUL , RAMSTRÖM LARS
Published: January 2006

Snuff‐dipping was already widespread in Sweden in the 19th century. After the 1920s snuff sales went down, but Sweden still kept its position as world leader infer capita consumption of moist snuff. Following a major advertising campaign snuff consumption began rising again in the late 1960s. The Swedish Tobacco Company claims that Swedish snuff is a‘less harmful’ alternative to cigarettes. Swedish epidemiological studies indicate that there is a cancer risk from snuff‐dipping, but it is low compared with smoking. Accordingly, the STC claims to “do a good job replacing cigarettes with snuff”. However, an analysis of the trends in tobacco usage patterns in Sweden during the last few decades does not support this claim. The marketing of moist snuff has not primarily attracted older smokers who would seek help in order to stop smoking, but young people. The use of snuff is no prerequisite and no guarantee for a decrease of smoking. On the contrary, taking up snuff must be seen as an introduction to the tobacco habit and possibly a first step towards taking up cigarettes.
Changes in the control of alcohol misuse
Authors: BUNTON ROBIN
Published: January 2006

This paper examines use of the concept of control by policy makers, researchers, health promoters, crime preventers and therapists. It also looks at recently advocated local, ‘non‐control’ measures which are pan of the public health arsenal of prevention measures. It is argued that the broadening concerns of the public health perspective may be viewed as a pan of the growth of new, more pervasive forms of social regulation and control which should be a concern for those working to reduce alcohol misuse.
Problem drinking as a form of learned behaviour: a final rejoinder to Gorman and Edwards
Authors: HEATHER NICK
Published: January 2006

This article continues, and hopefully concludes, a dispute in this journal over the value of the learning paradigm of problem drinking, as outlined by Heather & Robertson1. It is first reasserted that the idea that the problem drinking paradigm is nothing more than a bid by psychologists to take over the alcohol studies field is neither a useful nor serious proposition. Secondly, it is denied that our claim is that psychology has already succeeded in substituting a new paradigm for an old one, but conceded that the term ‘general theory’ may be more appropriate in some ways than ‘paradigm’. Thirdly, the criticism that the general learning theory is as tautologous as the disease theory it aspires to replace is again rejected. Finally, the merits of a general theory of problem drinking, as opposed to a diversify of explanatory models, are expounded.
Alcohol and mortality: a review of prospective studies
Authors: SHAPER A. G.
Published: January 2006

Non‐drinkers and heavy drinkers tend to have higher total and cardiovascular mortality rates than light or moderate drinkers. The finding is not disputed; it is the interpretation of this U‐shaped curve that is controversial, and in particular the belief that light and moderate drinking protects against coronary heart disease. The British Regional Heart Study of middle‐aged British men has shown that 70% of non‐drinkers are ex‐drinkers. Those ex‐drinkers have high rates of doctor‐diagnosed illnesses including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and bronchitis as well as high prevalence rates of measured hypertension, obesity, current smoking and regular medical treatment. Over a five‐year period men who were diagnosed as having heart disease, had multiple diagnoses or were put on regular medication had an increased likelihood of becoming non‐drinkers or occasional drinkers. The study suggests a downward drift from heavy and moderate drinking towards non‐drinking under the influence of accumulating ill health. The data strongly suggest that the observed alcohol‐mortality relationships in prospective studies are produced by symptoms and disease present at the time of screening, and by the prior movement of men with such disorders into non‐drinking or occasional drinking categories. The concept of a protective effect on mortality which ignores the dynamic relationship between ill health and drinking behaviour is likely to be ill‐founded. A review of the major prospective studies reveals an inadequate exploration of the nature of non‐drinkers, who are clearly unsuitable for use as a baseline in studies of the effects of alcohol on health.
A meta‐analysis of change in marital and employment status as predictors of alcohol consumption on a typical occasion*
Authors: TEMPLE MARK T. , FILLMORE KAYE MIDDLETON , HARTKA ELIZABETH , JOHNSTONE BRYAN , LEINO E. VICTOR , MOTOYOSHI MICHELLE
Published: January 2006

Meta‐analysis is used to combine results of primary data from 12 longitudinal studies to examine the consistency of results with respect to the role of changes on the individual level in marital status and employment status on changes in consumption of alcohol per typical occasion. The analyses control for the effects of Time 1 consumption per occasion and education. Not getting married and becoming unmarried are associated with increased consumption at follow‐up and both variables are positively related to increased consumption among older men, but only becoming unmarried was related to increased consumption among older women. Becoming married is homogeneously and negatively associated with consumption at follow‐up for younger and older persons of both sexes. Chronic unemployment is negatively related to consumption at follow‐up among older mates and younger females. Becoming unemployed between measurements is homogeneously and negatively related to consumption among older mates and females, but positively related among younger mates. Becoming employed is homogeneously and positively related to later consumption among all groups except young females.
Epidemiological surveillance of opioid‐related episodes in an emergency room of Barcelona, Spain (1979–1989)
Authors: DOMINGO A. , ANTÓ J. M. , CAMI J.
Published: January 2006

In the early 80's opioid addiction was a low prevalence problem in Spain, grew enormously during that decade and became the most important risk factor for AIDS in recent years. The limitations of assessing the prevalence of illegal drug use by means of standard epidemiological methods lead, worldwide, to the use of indirect indicators. A Register of Toxicological Emergencies, developed for research purposes and containing data from 1979 to 1989 at the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) is described. Results for opioid‐related emergencies are presented, showing an epidemic increase in the number of suck emergencies after 1981. The total number of opioid‐related emergencies was 18042 with a mean of 2.23 opioid‐related emergency admissions per client throughout the whole period, implying that some 8000 persons were seen. In episodes from non‐arrestees, mean age increased slightly over time, the male/female ratio being 2.5; withdrawal was the more frequent reason for attendance (53%), overdoses accounting for 9% of admissions, and other medical conditions for 33%. Non‐arrested women were more likely to attend for other medical conditions and overdoses than men. The importance of this kind of register as well as its limitations for assessing the trend of opioid use prevalence is discussed.
Regulation and abuse liability testing of medicines in Europe beyond 1992
Authors: ALONSO FERNANDO GARCIA
Published: January 2006

The procedures for approving medicines have been progressively harmonized within the European Community. The authorization of medicinal products beyond 1992 will be based on a more centralized procedure, with important safeguards to ensure that there is no dilution of strict standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. Although some efforts have been attempted to coordinate the procedures for approving medicines with Japan and the United States, some important problems still remain. An example of this lack of coordination is the lack of agreement about applying abuse liability testing to psychotropic drugs. In the United States, abuse liability data are routinely used for scheduling and labeling new drugs under the supervision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This agency has codified the requirements for clinical studies of potential abuse of psychotropic drugs and requires pharmaceutical sponsors to submit specific data. However, requirements within the European Community in this matter are minimal. Clinical trials on subjective effects, drug discrimination or drug preference are not requested. This situation demands more scientific interchange between officials and scientists from the FDA and their counterparts from Europe. The Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP) must play a major role in this coordination and interchange.