How Smoking Can Interfere With Alcoholic’s Recovery

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

For those who are in the process of detoxing off of alcohol, they may want to also stay away from smoking as well. A recent study shows that smoking impairs the brain functions of those who are recovering from alcohol abuse.

“There have been few longitudinal studies that have specifically studied the effects of cigarette smoking on cognitive recovery in ALC (Alcohol Dependent Individuals) during abstinence. We chose to examine measures of processing speed, learning and memory, and working memory because these abilities have been shown to be adversely affected by alcohol use disorders as well as chronic cigarettes smoking,” explained Timothy C. Durazzo, a researcher in the study.

Since chronic alcohol abuse has such a negative effect on a person’s cognitive skills, it makes sense that researchers wanted to look into anything else that would further impair a person’s brain functioning, especially after they have abstained from alcohol abuse.

Researchers found that those who abstained from alcohol and cigarette smoking showed marked improvement in cognitive skills like processing speed, learning and memory during the first month of abstinence. The group of participants who continued to smoke cigarettes but were still abstinent from alcohol had poorer results on cognitive tests than the other group.

It is no secret that smoking cigarettes is an unhealthy behavior. The smoke from cigarettes appears to be the biggest culprit in hindering a person’s (especially a recovering alcoholic) cognitive abilities. The toxins found in cigarette smoke, paired with the stress that smoking puts on the repertory part of the body, inhibits cognitive functioning. People who have quit drinking but continue to smoke are still contaminating their bodies with toxins that are having a negative effect on their brain’s ability to function.

This new information shows that there are variables that have an effect on a person’s ability to recover from alcohol abuse. While it is highly advisable for those who abuse alcohol to enroll in some sort of treatment center for their problem, this evidence shows that if they quit smoking they will have better chances at maintaining an overall healthier lifestyle with stronger cognitive ability.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-10-neurocognitive-recovery-abstinence-alcohol.html

Communities With Strong Social Hosting Laws Linked to Less Underage Drinking

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

Teens who live in communities with strict social hosting laws are less likely to drink at parties, says a new study in the November issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Social hosting laws hold adults responsible for any underage drinkers partaking on their property.

Fifty Californian communities were investigated, half having existing social hosting laws. Communities with strong social hosting laws were identified as the towns where the law is aimed at underage drinking, where penalties and fines are quickly administered, and the property owners are held accountable for any underage drinking – even if they were unaware of it.

Mallie Paschall, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the Prevention Research Center in Oakland, California, says the preliminary findings are encouraging since most teenagers rely on getting alcohol from social sources, instead of buying it at a store. “In theory, laws aimed at those social sources – the parents or other adults of legal drinking age – should help reduce underage drinking,” Paschall said.

Paschall noted that public knowledge and enforcement of the laws are key. He said that if adults don’t know they can be held accountable, and if police officers and local prosecutors don’t enforce the social hosting laws, then the policies won’t be a deterrent for underage drinking.

Many states and local communities have passed social hosting laws. The details of the laws vary from community to community and from state to state. Research leading up to Paschall’s study produced mixed results on whether or not the social hosting laws prevent teenage drinking.

Future studies will include researchers looking at the rates of teen drinking both before and after social hosting legislation was passed to determine if the policies truly have an impact on deterring underage drinking. Paschall also stated that it is important to study whether or not social hosting legislation reduce teen drinking related problems like drunk driving.

Friends Trump Protective Qualities of Anti-Alcohol Gene

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

There are some people that have a gene variant that prevents them from feeling the desired effects when consuming alcohol. When a person ingests alcohol their body goes to work to metabolize the chemical. For those that have the gene variant, their bodies produce large amounts of Acetaldehyde, which causes the person to feel unpleasant side effects from drinking, mostly headaches and vomiting. Due to this reaction, people who have the gene variant are less likely to drink as much as those that do not have it.

However, there is one thing that researchers noticed trumped the effects of Acetaldehyde in the body, and that was friends. People, especially teenagers, are more likely to ignore the negative effects of drinking if their friends are drinking as well.

Despite initial discomfort, researchers noticed that if a teen chose to drink despite the variant, eventually the negative would disappear and they would react to the alcohol just like those that do not have the genetic quality. “Young people with this protective variant in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene, ADH1B, had a lower risk of becoming intoxicated and developing early symptoms of alcohol use disorder. But when in a high-risk environment – that is, if they reported that ‘most or all’ of their best friends drank alcohol – the gene’s protective effect essentially disappeared,” explained Emily Olfson, a researcher on the study.

It is quite common that teenagers are put in situation where alcohol is around and being offered to them. For those who have the protective gene, alcohol may never become an issue. The person may go their entire life never being interested in alcohol. However, it is clear that the gene’s protective qualities only go so far.

The results of the study prove one thing for certain, it is important that teenagers surround themselves with friends who do not encourage underage drinking. The effects of peer pressure can never be underestimated and this study proves that peer pressure can even trump genetics, just as people who may be more susceptible to addiction don’t automatically become addicts.

Alcohol-Related Sleep Disturbances Can Last Long After a Person Stops Drinking

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

Most people know that drunken sleep is the worst sleep. Even if excessive alcohol consumption causes one to “pass out,” it is seriously detrimental to sleep quality. A study published early this year determined that the more a person drank, the faster they were able to fall asleep. Then, despite the amount of alcohol consumed, the participants experienced deep sleep during the first half of the night. However, researchers also found that sleep disruption, or waking after falling asleep, increased during the second half of the night.

Now, researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) are looking at how this alcohol-related sleep disruption actually happens. According to an article published in the online journal, Behavioral Brain Research, this disruption of the sleep cycle can occur in people who are actively drinking, suffering from withdrawal, or even when fully abstaining.

“Sleep-wake disturbances can last for months, or even years, after someone stops drinking, which indicates that chronic alcohol abuse could cause long-term negative effects on sleep,” said the article’s senior author, Subial Datta, BUSM professor of psychiatry and neurology.

The article explains how chronic alcohol use leads to dysfunction of cholinergic cells (cells that synthesize neurotransmitter acetylcholine) in an area of the brain stem involved in regulating many aspects of sleep. The disruption in the normal sleep cycle occurs as the activity of chemicals that excite neurons in the brain increases.

The article goes on to mention that although significant progress has been made in identifying the health risks of alcohol abuse and addiction, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that lead to sleep-wake disorders related to alcohol are poorly understood. As a result, Datta notes that more research is needed to identify exactly how these neurological changes are happening so that scientists may be able to create medications to treat alcohol-related sleep disorders in the future.

Music Contest Challenges Teens to Stay Above the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

For the fifth year running, The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, The Grammy Foundation and Music Cares have joined together for the Teens Make Music Contest. As part of the Above the influence Campaign, the contest is designed to help teens rise above the influence of drugs and alcohol through the power of music.

To participate, young musicians from 14-18 can compose an original song or they can make a music video, representing how they celebrate life above the influence. Songs and videos that bring awareness of the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse can also be submitted.

Once a part of a National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign, the Above the Influence Campaign is now a program of the not-for-profit Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. The campaign’s goal is to help teens stand up to negative pressure and influences.

“Our Above the Influence campaign is all about youth empowerment, individual expression, and positive choices, and the Teens Make Music Contest is a wonderful opportunity for teens to uniquely express their individual reasons for living above the influence, said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Not only are participating teens be provided a platform to tell the world about their choices to stay above the influence, but they could win some really cool prizes as well. The first prize winner will receive two tickets to the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, CA, a $500 cash prize and will have an opportunity to perform a set in the Acoustic Tent on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour. Second- and third- place winners will receive cash prizes. All three winners will get a backstage pass to the rehearsals for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

Teens wanting to participate have until December 1, 2014, to submit their entries. For more information and to enter the contest, visit www.abovetheinfluence.com/grammys.

Arizona Reports More Labor Day DUI Arrests Compared to Last Year

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

As part of a statewide DUI enforcement initiative in Arizona, police are cracking down on drunk drivers. According to data released after Labor Day, more people used designate drivers this year compared to last. One might assume that this means there were less DUI arrests made this year compared to last, but there were 16 percent more Labor Day DUIs this year. That’s 582 DUI arrests in total, while the average blood-alcohol content remained the same from last year at .145, according to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s figures.

The DUI enforcement initiative is also aiming to penalize those who drive under the influence of drugs, not just alcohol. Arrests for suspected drug use while driving was up 21 percent from last Labor Day, which is a total of 103 people.

The amount of people under the age of 21 that were drinking this Labor Day weekend also grew from 2013. Police gave out almost twice as many citations to underage drinkers as they did last year.

In an effort to keep Arizona citizens safe, nearly 2,000 officers helped to police the streets of Arizona this Labor Day weekend. The long holiday can be a dangerous time when people are drinking during the day at barbecues or while watching football games. With so much alcohol-related activity, the risk of alcohol-related accidents or fatalities spikes. To control the risk, Arizona law enforcement officials established checkpoints on major roads and patrolled popular streets to deter people from driving under the influence and to arrest those who are driving drunk or on drugs.

The reports tallied up the number of arrests and citations Thursday through Monday. The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reported the final results that confirmed the law enforcement officials were doing their job to keep dangerous drivers off the roads.

Alcohol Detection Bracelets Getting More Use

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

Law enforcement and public officials are constantly trying to stay one step ahead of those who commit crimes or otherwise break the law. A new way of detecting alcohol in people that may be behind the wheel is very promising to those who are tasked with keeping our streets safe from drunk drivers.

Currently most law enforcement agencies use a breathalyzer to detect blood alcohol level. If there is a suspicion that a person may be driving under the influence, the police officer can request that they submit to field sobriety tests. In addition to the breathalyzer, the person may be asked to walk in a straight line, touch their finger tip to the tip of their nose or recite the alphabet – these are all tests that are designed to detect if a person is under the influence of alcohol.

A new method of detection has arrived on the scene, in the form of a bracelet. The bracelet is intended for those who are on some sort of abstinence ruling. Perhaps they are not allowed to drink alcohol because of a court case. These bracelets can detect alcohol through the skin and alert the court that the person is violating the terms of their probation.

One county in Wisconsin received a grant to purchase these bracelets for offenders who have violated more than once. Offenders who are constantly violating the terms of their probation by consuming alcohol need something like the bracelet as a reminder that they cannot drink. For those who submit to urine analysis screens, they oftentimes talk themselves into drinking as soon as they take the test because the alcohol will not be detected. The bracelets will alert the courts immediately if the person violated their terms and even has a few sips of alcohol.

Alcohol abuse continues to be a major problem throughout the United States. For those that have committed crimes relating to alcohol it may be necessary for them to enroll in a treatment program.

Alcohol Responsible for More Homicides Than Other Substances

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

Studies show that alcohol is the number one catalyst for homicides, surpassing drugs like cocaine and heroin almost five times over. Since the number of people who abuse cocaine has been cut nearly in half, there are less violent outbreaks from that group of substance abusers. Heroin accounted for only 3% of homicides. Homicides that involved alcohol accounted for 35% of those fatalities.

This correlation likely stems from the fact that alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions. When someone is under the influence, they are more likely to feel justified in starting a fight and they are more likely to feel that the can overpower someone else. They are also more aggressive and less logical, which is a dangerous mix. Studies show that in the homicides involving alcohol, it’s not just those who commit the crime who are usually under the influence – the victims commonly have consumed alcohol as well.

Homicide cases were investigated around five counties surrounding Chicago as a sample population to determine what factor alcohol played in the fatalities. About 40% of homicide victims had alcohol in their blood. Almost all of the victims were men and almost all the fatalities were caused by gunshot wounds.

While focusing on eliminating drug abuse is vital, it is clear that we need to continue to focus on the issues surrounding alcohol abuse. Sending those who are alcohol dependent to treatment would help this problem, however many people do not have access to effective drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Unfortunately, insurance presents another obstacle. Many people who fit the criteria for alcohol abuse do not have insurance to pay for treatment. Continuing efforts to discourage binge drinking and alcohol abuse is a crucial step in helping to prevent these tragic crimes.

High School Remains Tough Against Underage Drinking

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

Many people are trying to do their part when it comes to preventing underage drinking. It is a growing problem that is affecting our youth all over the country. In fact, alcohol is the most commonly abused drug by teenagers in the United States. While many teenagers do not feel that drinking is very dangerous, they may be surprised to know that 4,300 of their peers die every year from alcohol-related causes. To combat these alarming statistics, some high schools are enforcing strict abstinence policies.

One school in Illinois, Glenbard High School, pledged to suspend anyone caught attending a party where alcohol is being served. So far the school has suspended thirty student athletes after they attended a party where alcohol was present. The rule is so strict that even if the teens didn’t consume alcohol themselves, they were still suspended because they were at a party with alcohol. Some parents and many of the students are upset with this new policy.

On Monday, the school board heard from many parents and students that wanted the rule changed. One student suggested that those who did not drink should be allowed at the party because they could help influence students that were drinking to put down their beverages and stop consuming alcohol. The board acknowledged that students who do not drink can be a good influence on their peers, however a party where alcohol is being served is not the place to try to enforce that good influence.

Despite the arguments from students and parents opposed to the new drinking policy, the school remained firm in its decision to punish anyone caught at a party that included alcohol. Alcohol and temptation surrounds every high school student, and sometimes facing a significant punishment is the only thing that prevents them from succumbing to the pressure.

Even Light Alcohol Consumption Not a Health Benefit

Posted on by azalcrehabctr

Several years ago a study came out stating that alcohol was good for your health. The studies showed that drinking in moderation could be good for your heart. However, a new study was conducted showing that this is not true. Alcohol is not good for your health. According to the new study, one drink a day that contains alcohol could increase the risk of heart disease.

The study looked at information taken from 260,000 people. The outcome of the study was that even those that do not consume much alcohol could cut their risk for heart disease by cutting down on the amount of alcohol they drink. “The best thing to do is to reduce consumption to reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease” said Juan Casas, professor of epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and also the lead author of the study. Casas hopes that the study will influence policy makers now that they know that alcohol does not carry any health benefits. He explained that when people thought that there might be some healthy components to drinking in moderation it was hard to decide how much was too much. Now that the results are in and alcohol only does harm to people, policy makers can adjust laws accordingly.

The study looked at people that carried a variant of the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B gene. This gene causes unpleasant side effects when drinking; therefore these people tend to drink less. When researchers studied these people they found that they have a 10% lower risk of coronary heart disease, they have lower blood pressure and a lower body mass index.

Casas explained that previous studies, stating that consuming alcohol in moderate amounts was healthy for one’s heart, did not take into effect the lifestyle of those who didn’t consume alcohol. Casas points out that those who do not drink, or rarely drink, are more likely to participate in physical activity and lead generally healthier lives. Casas also said that the previous studies included those individuals who didn’t drink because of health reasons. That would falsely indicate that people who do not drink are unhealthy.

Lawmakers are currently reviewing the guidelines on how much to drink, they are taking this study into account.