Archive for September, 2009
Research Suggests Raising Price of Alcohol in Scotland Will Save Lives
New research commissioned by the Scottish government suggests that setting a minimum price for alcohol in Scotland will eventually save hundreds of lives a year.
Genes May Influence Alcoholism in Spanish American Males
Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines—which function in the immune system—may be involved in alcohol dependence (AD). Science Daily reports that a study of three polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 gene complex (IL-1) and one of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) has found that IL-1 may directly contribute to AD among Spanish Caucasian males.
Data Examines First-Time and Repeat Substance Abuse Treatment
No matter how effective a drug abuse treatment program, there is always the chance of relapse. In fact, a common pattern among substance abusers is relapse after a period of abstinence. According to the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) on substance abuse treatment admissions in 2006, repeat admissions were more likely than first time admissions for specific substances.
New Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program Focuses on Families and Teens
In Australia, a new program is being launched to help bring families and young people together in an effort to curb alcohol abuse among teenagers. “Linking Youth and Families Together” will provide counseling to young people in danger of becoming problem drinkers.
Alcohol Contributes to 1 in 15 Surgery Deaths
Alcohol abuse was a factor in the deaths of one in 15 patients who died in hospitals last year while under the care of surgeons in Scotland, figures have shown. The statistics came in the first interim report produced by the Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality (SASM).