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TAG CLOUD
April 26, 2012
ARE MEASUREMENTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE RELIABLE?
Numerous reports have been published indicating high rates of alcohol use disorders amongst young people, but questions remain about the way this is measured. Some argue that we are vastly over-estimating alcohol use disorders amongst young people, by inappropriately measuring "tolerance". In the most recent edition of "Centrelines", the newsletter of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), Dr Louise Mewton discusses the topic, and concludes that in fact there is a high likelihood we have overestimated rates of alcohol use disorders in young people.
Download the latest edition of "Centrelines" here.
Posted in: Research
April 20, 2012
ANNUAL ALCOHOL POLL: HAS AUSTRALIA GOT A PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE DRINKING?
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE, formerly known as AERF) have published the results of their "2012 Annual Alcohol Poll". In January and February this year, 1041 people from across Australia (188 from Queensland) were surveyed by Galaxy Research. There weren't many surprises in the results: 76% of respondents believe that Australia has a problem with excessive alcohol use, 75% of respondents thought that more needs to be done to reduce the harm from excessive alcohol use, and 64% thought that all alcohol advertising should be banned on television before 8.30pm.
Read the whole report at the FARE Website.
Posted in: Research
March 16, 2012
PERCEPTIONS OF LOW RISK DRINKING LEVELS
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE - formerly known as AERF) have published a report which looks at what Australian people consider to be "low risk" drinking. Not surprisingly, the study found wide variations in perceptions. With regards to long term harms, participants were close; indicating that they thought 2.5 standard drinks per day for men, and 1.4 standard drinks per day for women would prevent long term harm. When it came to the risks of short term harm, participants were way off. Younger respondents (aged 14-19) on average indicated that 8.8 standard drinks for men, and 6.5 standard drinks for women would protect them from risks of short term harms.
Posted in: Research
February 3, 2012
DRINKING CULTURES AND SOCIAL OCCASIONS
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre have published a report titled "Drinking Cultures and Social Occasions: Alcohol Harms in the Context of Major Public Holidays and Cultural Events". The report looked at ambulance attendances, hospital emergency department presentations, and hospital admissions related to alcohol consumption on public holidays or during the context of major public events. The paper looked at harms including assaults, motor vehicle accidents and acute intoxication requiring medical intervention. The authors found that across all age groups, there were increased rates of medical intervention for acute intoxication on most days which preceded a public holiday. Amongst young people, New Year's Day, Australia Day and ANZAC day were associated with the highest rates of acute intoxication requiring medical intervention.
Posted in: Research
December 16, 2011
ALCOHOL MISUSE AND CHILD MALTREATMENT
The Australian Institute of Family Studies have published a resource sheet on the role of alcohol use in child maltreatment. It has been estimated that 13% of children live in a home where at least one parent misuses alcohol. This resource sheet includes an overview of the major categories of child abuse and maltreatment, along with the evidence showing a relationship between these forms of child maltreatment and alcohol misuse.
Alcohol misuse and child maltreatment
Posted in: Research
December 16, 2011
ALCOHOL SCREENING AND BRIEF INTERVENTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The American National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have developed a tool designed to assist in identifying and responding to young people aged 9-18 who may be at risk of alcohol related problems. The tool is designed for health and medical professionals, however it could be used by anyone who works with young people. The tool includes a brief screening instrument, a "risk estimator" and brief motivational interview guide for young people who are at risk of alcohol related problems.
Posted in: Treatment Tools
December 16, 2011
RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL: HOW DOES IT GO WRONG?
The Injury Control Council of Western Australia have published a report titled "Drink or Drunk: Why do staff at licensed premises continue to serve patrons to intoxication despite current laws and interventions?" The research involved interviews and focus groups with people who work in licensed premises, to determine their views on responsible service of alcohol and the barriers experienced when trying to implement this. The report found that the server behaviour was influenced by fear of confrontation with intoxicated patrons, and management's level of support around decisions to refuse service.
Posted in: Research
December 9, 2011
YOUNG WOMEN'S DRINKING EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC DRINKING VENUES
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have published a report looking at young women's drinking experiences in public venues. The study involved observing young women in a range of drinking environments in Brisbane, Fortitude Valley and the Gold Coast, along with qualitative interviews with young women. The report considers the way young women navigate the drinking culture and engage in risk management whilst drinking. A number of recommendations are included in the report, such as incorporating the identified risk and protective factors in future health promotion campaigns, harnessing young women's existing strategies to manage intoxication, and to enhance awareness of services such as the "Chill Out Zone".
Young Women's Drinking Experience in Public Drinking Venues (1.1MB PDF)
December 2, 2011
NEW WEBSITE FOR ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY
The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research has launched a new website on alcohol and pregnancy. The site contains useful information that can be provided to women and their partners, as well as a range of resources for health professionals. Included is a handy reference guide for workers, as well as posters for waiting rooms. The site also contains information for people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and those who care for them.
November 11, 2011
GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE FASD
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social and Legal Affairs have announced an inquiry into the incidence and prevention of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Australia. The Committee will develop a report looking at the issue, including options for prevention, intervention and management of FASD. The Committee has called for public submissions and will be holding public hearings throughout Australia (dates and locations yet to be announced). The deadline for public submissions is the 9th of December, 2011.
Inquiry into Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder website
Posted in: Research
