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Different Genes Appear to Influence Drinking Over Time
January 28th, 2013 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
It is often thought that alcohol consumption is influenced by genetic factors. However, the degree to which genetics influences drinking continues to be an important area of research. Prior research on the heritability – meaning what you can inherit from your ancestors – of drinking as it progresses from adolescence into adulthood has found that “total” heritability changes over time. Yet it remains unclear if the same genes underlie a person’s liability to drinking across developmental stages, or if different genes influence risk for drinking over time. Researchers...
January 28th, 2013 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
It is often thought that alcohol consumption is influenced by genetic factors. However, the degree to which genetics influences drinking continues to be an important area of research. Prior research on the heritability – meaning what you can inherit from your ancestors – of drinking as it progresses from adolescence into adulthood has found that “total” heritability changes over time. Yet it remains unclear if the same genes underlie a person’s liability to drinking across developmental stages, or if different genes influence risk for drinking over time. Researchers...
Psychiatric Nursing and High Risk College Drinking
January 28th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
A recent article in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing examines the issues surrounding alcohol abuse and dependence in college students and suggests implications for psychiatric nursing practice. The authors cite alarming facts: Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for more than 4,600 deaths in underage youth each year. Although 21 is the legal drinking age, 11% of the alcohol consumed in the United States is by adolescents ages 12 to 20. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011) indicated that among full-time...
January 28th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
A recent article in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing examines the issues surrounding alcohol abuse and dependence in college students and suggests implications for psychiatric nursing practice. The authors cite alarming facts: Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for more than 4,600 deaths in underage youth each year. Although 21 is the legal drinking age, 11% of the alcohol consumed in the United States is by adolescents ages 12 to 20. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011) indicated that among full-time...
Prescription Drug Misuse in Young Adult Subcultures
October 30th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Negative health consequences have been associated with prescription drug misuse and increased rates of prescription drug misuse have contributed heavily to the treatment burden in the US. A quarter of a million people per year entered drug treatment programs between 2004 and 2006 for dependence on a prescription medication. In 2009, 2.6 million Americans misused a prescription drug for the first time, an average of more than 7,000 new misusers per day. Rates of prescription drug misuse are often highest among 18–25 year olds. About 6.3% of American 18–25 year olds report misusing a...
October 30th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Negative health consequences have been associated with prescription drug misuse and increased rates of prescription drug misuse have contributed heavily to the treatment burden in the US. A quarter of a million people per year entered drug treatment programs between 2004 and 2006 for dependence on a prescription medication. In 2009, 2.6 million Americans misused a prescription drug for the first time, an average of more than 7,000 new misusers per day. Rates of prescription drug misuse are often highest among 18–25 year olds. About 6.3% of American 18–25 year olds report misusing a...
Too Young to Drink, Too Young to Die
October 30th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Auto crashes are the leading cause of death among 16 year old youth. Every state has laws restricting those under 21 from driving with any measureable amount of alcohol. Yet teen drivers involved in fatal alcohol related crashes often have blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 0.08% or above, the illegal limit for adult drivers. In 2011 one in ten high school students ages 16 and older reported drinking after driving in the last 30 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from the 1991-2011 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) to determine the...
October 30th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Auto crashes are the leading cause of death among 16 year old youth. Every state has laws restricting those under 21 from driving with any measureable amount of alcohol. Yet teen drivers involved in fatal alcohol related crashes often have blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 0.08% or above, the illegal limit for adult drivers. In 2011 one in ten high school students ages 16 and older reported drinking after driving in the last 30 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from the 1991-2011 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) to determine the...
Adolescent Pot Users Show Lasting IQ Drop
September 26th, 2012 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
This study was conducted in the context of broader research on the health and behavior of all the babies born in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1972-73. The data on 1037 individuals from birth to 38 years offered a unique opportunity to investigate the neuropsychological effects of persistent cannabis use. Participants were assessed via diagnostic interview at ages 18, 21, 26, 32, and 38 and grouped according to their number of dependence diagnoses: (1) never used, (2) reported use during at least one of the assessments but never diagnosed as dependent, (3) diagnosed as dependent at one...
September 26th, 2012 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
This study was conducted in the context of broader research on the health and behavior of all the babies born in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1972-73. The data on 1037 individuals from birth to 38 years offered a unique opportunity to investigate the neuropsychological effects of persistent cannabis use. Participants were assessed via diagnostic interview at ages 18, 21, 26, 32, and 38 and grouped according to their number of dependence diagnoses: (1) never used, (2) reported use during at least one of the assessments but never diagnosed as dependent, (3) diagnosed as dependent at one...
Which Students Will Drive After Drinking?
August 30th, 2012 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
Driving after drinking (DAD) is a high-risk behavior among college students and a leading cause of death and injury. Approximately 16-30% of U.S. college students report DAD. Significant evidence has demonstrated that the perception of how others behave (descriptive norms) and how accepting or approving others are of certain behaviors (injunctive norms) can exert considerable influence on that behavior. This study evaluated demographic, social, and behavioral norms as predictors of student DAD. The researchers twice surveyed 655 non-abstaining students (67% female, mean age 19.3...
August 30th, 2012 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
Driving after drinking (DAD) is a high-risk behavior among college students and a leading cause of death and injury. Approximately 16-30% of U.S. college students report DAD. Significant evidence has demonstrated that the perception of how others behave (descriptive norms) and how accepting or approving others are of certain behaviors (injunctive norms) can exert considerable influence on that behavior. This study evaluated demographic, social, and behavioral norms as predictors of student DAD. The researchers twice surveyed 655 non-abstaining students (67% female, mean age 19.3...
Which Drug is the Gateway Drug?
August 24th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
The “gateway drug theory” suggests that legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol operate as gateways to the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. However, there is still debate as to which drug – tobacco, alcohol, or even marijuana – is first in the procession that leads to more harmful and illegal drugs. This study in the Journal of School Health sought to determine which drug is the actual gateway drug and if licit drug use predicts later illicit drug use. The researchers analyzed data about the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs by young adults (14,600 12 th...
August 24th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
The “gateway drug theory” suggests that legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol operate as gateways to the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. However, there is still debate as to which drug – tobacco, alcohol, or even marijuana – is first in the procession that leads to more harmful and illegal drugs. This study in the Journal of School Health sought to determine which drug is the actual gateway drug and if licit drug use predicts later illicit drug use. The researchers analyzed data about the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs by young adults (14,600 12 th...
Are 12-Step Meetings Safe for Youth?
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Results from a number of studies have shown that participation in 12-step mutual help groups (MHG) by young people, especially those with more severe substance use problems, produces benefits at clinically meaningful levels. One such study found that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) participation during the first 3 months of treatment resulted in an increase in days abstinent both concurrently and at a 6-month follow-up. Yet, despite numerous studies showing recovery-related benefits, there are persistent anecdotal concerns about the safety of these predominantly adult...
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Results from a number of studies have shown that participation in 12-step mutual help groups (MHG) by young people, especially those with more severe substance use problems, produces benefits at clinically meaningful levels. One such study found that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) participation during the first 3 months of treatment resulted in an increase in days abstinent both concurrently and at a 6-month follow-up. Yet, despite numerous studies showing recovery-related benefits, there are persistent anecdotal concerns about the safety of these predominantly adult...
Prevention Science Expanding Worldwide
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Due in part to the worldwide investment and success in child health care more children are surviving into adolescence. The worldwide burden of disease has shifted to non-communicable diseases and behavior problems. Unsafe driving, mental health (self-inflicted injuries), and violence are now the three leading causes of adolescent mortality. Alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse are implicated in those three leading causes as well as carrying their own harmful effects into adulthood. Sexually-transmitted infections (STI), HIV (AIDS virus) and teen pregnancy with maternal hemorrhage and...
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Due in part to the worldwide investment and success in child health care more children are surviving into adolescence. The worldwide burden of disease has shifted to non-communicable diseases and behavior problems. Unsafe driving, mental health (self-inflicted injuries), and violence are now the three leading causes of adolescent mortality. Alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse are implicated in those three leading causes as well as carrying their own harmful effects into adulthood. Sexually-transmitted infections (STI), HIV (AIDS virus) and teen pregnancy with maternal hemorrhage and...
Parents and Peers Influence College Marijuana Use
October 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Marijuana is the illicit drug most used by adolescents and young adults but has been rarely studied in older adults. The drug is known to cause short term memory deficits and difficulties with concentration. Consequently, compared to non-users, adolescent and college users report poorer academic performance, less time studying, and increased absence from classes. Opportunities to initiate use of marijuana are common in teen years and continue throughout college and into adulthood. The results of a recent study showed that both parental and peer influence play a role in late adolescence...
October 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Marijuana is the illicit drug most used by adolescents and young adults but has been rarely studied in older adults. The drug is known to cause short term memory deficits and difficulties with concentration. Consequently, compared to non-users, adolescent and college users report poorer academic performance, less time studying, and increased absence from classes. Opportunities to initiate use of marijuana are common in teen years and continue throughout college and into adulthood. The results of a recent study showed that both parental and peer influence play a role in late adolescence...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predicts Later Substance-Use Disorders (SUDs)
July 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are thought to have roots in childhood. According to this recent Massachusetts General Hospital study, psychiatric disorders have been observed in up to 85% of adolescents with SUDs. Previous research has shown that childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persists into adolescence in 75% of cases. However, long-term research on predictors of SUD in children with ADHD has been limited. This study’s aims were to identify “clinically meaningful characteristics of children that predicted the future development of SUDs and to see...
July 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are thought to have roots in childhood. According to this recent Massachusetts General Hospital study, psychiatric disorders have been observed in up to 85% of adolescents with SUDs. Previous research has shown that childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persists into adolescence in 75% of cases. However, long-term research on predictors of SUD in children with ADHD has been limited. This study’s aims were to identify “clinically meaningful characteristics of children that predicted the future development of SUDs and to see...
Parental and Adolescent Drinking are Steps on the Path to Psychological Problems
May 6th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Parents’ use of alcohol is a recognized factor in alcohol use and dependence in their offspring. Current estimates are that 40-60% of alcohol dependence can be attributed to genetics. The remaining risk factors include an individual’s family background, socialization, and psychological makeup. There is a known relationship between alcohol use and depression and anxiety disorders. This New York University School of Medicine study looked for a possible pathway from parental use of alcohol during their child’s adolescence and the appearance of psychological symptoms in young...
May 6th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Parents’ use of alcohol is a recognized factor in alcohol use and dependence in their offspring. Current estimates are that 40-60% of alcohol dependence can be attributed to genetics. The remaining risk factors include an individual’s family background, socialization, and psychological makeup. There is a known relationship between alcohol use and depression and anxiety disorders. This New York University School of Medicine study looked for a possible pathway from parental use of alcohol during their child’s adolescence and the appearance of psychological symptoms in young...
Higher Socioeconomic Status May Lead to Early Adult Drug Problems
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
This recent University of Chicago study looked at the relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of adolescents and their substance use in early adulthood. Much of the earlier research in this area focused on substance abuse in lower SES populations. However, growing evidence shows that teens from high SES backgrounds are also at high risk. This study analyzed the relationship between adolescent SES (measured by parental education and income) and their adult substance use. The data came from The National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) a nationally...
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
This recent University of Chicago study looked at the relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of adolescents and their substance use in early adulthood. Much of the earlier research in this area focused on substance abuse in lower SES populations. However, growing evidence shows that teens from high SES backgrounds are also at high risk. This study analyzed the relationship between adolescent SES (measured by parental education and income) and their adult substance use. The data came from The National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) a nationally...
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Interactions
December 2nd, 2010 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
This genetic analysis suggests that the way commonly used and misused drugs affect an individual may be inherited. Also, the way genetics and environment influence the effects of one drug may impact the effects of other drugs. According to this University of Colorado study, the sometime-in-a-lifetime use of the most commonly used psychoactive drugs are alcohol 91.6%, tobacco, 73.6% and marijuana 42.4%. Since the same brain pathways are used by psychoactive drugs, the way one affects an individual may indicate how the pathways will respond to others. The researchers looked at possible...
December 2nd, 2010 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
This genetic analysis suggests that the way commonly used and misused drugs affect an individual may be inherited. Also, the way genetics and environment influence the effects of one drug may impact the effects of other drugs. According to this University of Colorado study, the sometime-in-a-lifetime use of the most commonly used psychoactive drugs are alcohol 91.6%, tobacco, 73.6% and marijuana 42.4%. Since the same brain pathways are used by psychoactive drugs, the way one affects an individual may indicate how the pathways will respond to others. The researchers looked at possible...
Gender Effects on Drug Disorders
December 2nd, 2010 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) examined gender differences in rates of substance abuse and dependence among young people. Earlier research has shown that males appear to be at greater risk than females for substance use problems. (In 2008 males comprised 60% of the 20 million youthful illicit drug users, and more than 2/3 of those in drug abuse treatment.) However, these studies provided only limited insight into gender differences in drug use or drug consequences. The objective of this NIDA study was to determine whether rates of substance use disorders...
December 2nd, 2010 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) examined gender differences in rates of substance abuse and dependence among young people. Earlier research has shown that males appear to be at greater risk than females for substance use problems. (In 2008 males comprised 60% of the 20 million youthful illicit drug users, and more than 2/3 of those in drug abuse treatment.) However, these studies provided only limited insight into gender differences in drug use or drug consequences. The objective of this NIDA study was to determine whether rates of substance use disorders...
A 25 Year Study of Alcoholism in Middle Age Men
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Drinking patterns and alcohol problems change with age but few studies have spanned the history of an individual’s alcohol use and/or alcohol use disorders (AUD) from early adulthood to middle age. An AUD at any age points to recurring alcohol problems and risks for illness and early death. Thus it is useful to understand the predictors of such problems. A long running study by the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego reports results of their 25 year observation of AUDs observed in 373 relatively well educated Caucasian men originally recruited between 1978...
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Drinking patterns and alcohol problems change with age but few studies have spanned the history of an individual’s alcohol use and/or alcohol use disorders (AUD) from early adulthood to middle age. An AUD at any age points to recurring alcohol problems and risks for illness and early death. Thus it is useful to understand the predictors of such problems. A long running study by the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego reports results of their 25 year observation of AUDs observed in 373 relatively well educated Caucasian men originally recruited between 1978...
The Down Side to Energy Drinks
July 9th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Since their introduction in 1987, the energy drink market has grown exponentially. The main ingredient of energy drinks is caffeine. For comparison, the caffeine content in a 6 oz. cup of coffee varies from 77 to 150 milligrams, while in energy drinks caffeine can range from 50 to 500 mgs per can or bottle. Energy drinks, depending on the brand, may also contain substances such as taurine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, nicotinamide, B vitamins, and various herbal derivatives. The effects of excessive and long-term use of these additives alone and in combination with caffeine are not fully...
July 9th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Since their introduction in 1987, the energy drink market has grown exponentially. The main ingredient of energy drinks is caffeine. For comparison, the caffeine content in a 6 oz. cup of coffee varies from 77 to 150 milligrams, while in energy drinks caffeine can range from 50 to 500 mgs per can or bottle. Energy drinks, depending on the brand, may also contain substances such as taurine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, nicotinamide, B vitamins, and various herbal derivatives. The effects of excessive and long-term use of these additives alone and in combination with caffeine are not fully...
Alcohol, Autos, and College – A High Risk Combo
July 9th, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
College students are likely to be more vulnerable to alcohol related traffic risk behavior because they have less driving experience. Also, binge drinking and other risky alcohol-related behavior are highly prevalent in that population. Alcohol consumption and alcohol impaired driving appear to be common even before college. Almost half of high school seniors report having used alcohol in the past 30 days, and 28% have been drunk. Past month drinking and driving by high school seniors is estimated to be about 15%. This investigation looked at changes in traffic risk behavior as...
July 9th, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
College students are likely to be more vulnerable to alcohol related traffic risk behavior because they have less driving experience. Also, binge drinking and other risky alcohol-related behavior are highly prevalent in that population. Alcohol consumption and alcohol impaired driving appear to be common even before college. Almost half of high school seniors report having used alcohol in the past 30 days, and 28% have been drunk. Past month drinking and driving by high school seniors is estimated to be about 15%. This investigation looked at changes in traffic risk behavior as...
Youth Saying No to Marijuana
June 8th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
A significant percentage of recent marijuana using high school seniors wish to reduce or stop their use. This conclusion is based on analysis of data collected by the Monitoring the Future Study (MFS), an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (might want to explain why no 9 th grade data). The MFS is conducted by the Survey Research Center in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan...
June 8th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
A significant percentage of recent marijuana using high school seniors wish to reduce or stop their use. This conclusion is based on analysis of data collected by the Monitoring the Future Study (MFS), an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (might want to explain why no 9 th grade data). The MFS is conducted by the Survey Research Center in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan...
AA and NA Help Teens
January 31st, 2009 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
January 31st, 2009 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
Pro Sports Stadiums Likely to Sell Alcohol to Intoxicated and Underage Patrons
January 31st, 2009 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
While “tail-gating parties” and “throwing back a few at the game” are traditions for many sports fans, the reality is that drinking alcohol before, during and/or after sporting events can increase the chances of traffic accidents and injuries before, during, and after professional sporting events. Illegal alcohol sales at these events may be one contributing factor to such alcohol-related incidents. This first-of-its-kind study looked at the likelihood of alcohol sales to underage youth and intoxicated patrons at professional sports stadiums across the U.S., and what factors may...
January 31st, 2009 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
While “tail-gating parties” and “throwing back a few at the game” are traditions for many sports fans, the reality is that drinking alcohol before, during and/or after sporting events can increase the chances of traffic accidents and injuries before, during, and after professional sporting events. Illegal alcohol sales at these events may be one contributing factor to such alcohol-related incidents. This first-of-its-kind study looked at the likelihood of alcohol sales to underage youth and intoxicated patrons at professional sports stadiums across the U.S., and what factors may...
Amphetamine-related Heart Attacks Increase in Lone Star State
October 31st, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Amphetamine abuse is a global problem, with estimates of 35 million people worldwide abusing amphetamine-type stimulants in 2004. Closer to home, the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported 19.1 million Americans had used an illicit or prescription-type stimulant non-medically at least once in their lifetimes. Reports in 2007 indicate that methamphetamine abuse may be on the increase in some major metropolitan U.S. cities. While cocaine is recognized as a contributor to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) no population-based studies have looked at an association between...
October 31st, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Amphetamine abuse is a global problem, with estimates of 35 million people worldwide abusing amphetamine-type stimulants in 2004. Closer to home, the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported 19.1 million Americans had used an illicit or prescription-type stimulant non-medically at least once in their lifetimes. Reports in 2007 indicate that methamphetamine abuse may be on the increase in some major metropolitan U.S. cities. While cocaine is recognized as a contributor to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) no population-based studies have looked at an association between...
Genes Influence Early Drinking
October 31st, 2008 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
A 2001/2002 survey by the World Health Organization found that about 80 percent of young people began drinking before they were16 years old. Furthermore, the average age of drinking for the first time was 12 years. Boys reported drinking for the first time at an average age of 12.3 years and girls at an average of 12 years. As in many other countries Dutch adolescents establish a drinking pattern early in life. This University of Amsterdam study looked at the contribution of genes and environment to the initiation of alcohol use and frequency of drinking among early adolescents in The...
October 31st, 2008 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
A 2001/2002 survey by the World Health Organization found that about 80 percent of young people began drinking before they were16 years old. Furthermore, the average age of drinking for the first time was 12 years. Boys reported drinking for the first time at an average age of 12.3 years and girls at an average of 12 years. As in many other countries Dutch adolescents establish a drinking pattern early in life. This University of Amsterdam study looked at the contribution of genes and environment to the initiation of alcohol use and frequency of drinking among early adolescents in The...
Impaired Youth Behind the Wheel Is a Widespread Problem
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Auto accidents are a leading cause of death among teens and young adults. A substantial number of these fatalities result from driving after drinking or using drugs. Efforts to reduce driving after drinking have met some success but little is known about the extent of youth driving after use of marijuana or other illicit drugs. The National Study on Drug Use and Health reported in 2002 that 15%-18% of persons 18-21 years old drove after drinking or using illicit drugs in the previous year. Clearly a considerable amount of driving after illicit drug use is occurring. However, little is known...
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Auto accidents are a leading cause of death among teens and young adults. A substantial number of these fatalities result from driving after drinking or using drugs. Efforts to reduce driving after drinking have met some success but little is known about the extent of youth driving after use of marijuana or other illicit drugs. The National Study on Drug Use and Health reported in 2002 that 15%-18% of persons 18-21 years old drove after drinking or using illicit drugs in the previous year. Clearly a considerable amount of driving after illicit drug use is occurring. However, little is known...
Sacramento SNAPP Program Pays Off
August 31st, 2007 / Community Programs / Betty Ford Institute
Most alcohol-prevention projects are large, community-wide efforts with the intent of reducing alcohol-related problems such as assaults, automobile accidents, and other injuries. While these programs are effective in communities at large, certain neighborhoods within a larger community may benefit from more targeted strategies. For example, prior studies have shown that neighborhoods with a high density of alcohol outlets have more alcohol-related problems such as violence and drunk driving. Thus prevention efforts on the neighborhood level would benefit not only the neighborhood, but the...
August 31st, 2007 / Community Programs / Betty Ford Institute
Most alcohol-prevention projects are large, community-wide efforts with the intent of reducing alcohol-related problems such as assaults, automobile accidents, and other injuries. While these programs are effective in communities at large, certain neighborhoods within a larger community may benefit from more targeted strategies. For example, prior studies have shown that neighborhoods with a high density of alcohol outlets have more alcohol-related problems such as violence and drunk driving. Thus prevention efforts on the neighborhood level would benefit not only the neighborhood, but the...
Where There Is Smoke
April 30th, 2007 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Cigarette smoking and alcohol use disorders (AUD) have been closely linked. Yet it is not clear whether higher rates of AUD among smokers are due to heavier drinking or whether smokers are more vulnerable to AUD than non-smokers who drink the same heavier amounts. Using data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, researchers looked at a representative sample of U.S adolescents and young adults to analyze the relationship between smoking and AUD. Nearly 75,000 non-institutionalized 12-20 year olds from the civilian population were studied for current diagnosis of alcohol...
April 30th, 2007 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Cigarette smoking and alcohol use disorders (AUD) have been closely linked. Yet it is not clear whether higher rates of AUD among smokers are due to heavier drinking or whether smokers are more vulnerable to AUD than non-smokers who drink the same heavier amounts. Using data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, researchers looked at a representative sample of U.S adolescents and young adults to analyze the relationship between smoking and AUD. Nearly 75,000 non-institutionalized 12-20 year olds from the civilian population were studied for current diagnosis of alcohol...
The Neighborhood Can Be a Gateway to Drugs
April 30th, 2007 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
The “gateway hypothesis” is the theory that using drugs of abuse likely progresses through several discrete stages. For example, consumption of beer or wine may lead to hard liquor; use of tobacco may lead to marijuana and then harder drugs. This study examined the accuracy of the gateway hypothesis and sequencing as they pertain to use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. It also investigated if any transitions are determined by particular risk factors. Researchers examined three groups of males from ages 10/12 to 22 years of age: those who consumed licit (legal) drugs only (n=99);...
April 30th, 2007 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
The “gateway hypothesis” is the theory that using drugs of abuse likely progresses through several discrete stages. For example, consumption of beer or wine may lead to hard liquor; use of tobacco may lead to marijuana and then harder drugs. This study examined the accuracy of the gateway hypothesis and sequencing as they pertain to use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. It also investigated if any transitions are determined by particular risk factors. Researchers examined three groups of males from ages 10/12 to 22 years of age: those who consumed licit (legal) drugs only (n=99);...
Pregnant Mom’s Drinking May Cause Psychiatric Disorders in Offspring
October 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Prenatal exposure to alcohol causes birth defects, as well as abnormal development in attention and memory, executive functioning, motor skills, learning, and judgment. This study examined how psychiatric problems might also be linked to prenatal alcohol exposure. Beginning with a longitudinal study of 1,529 pregnant women, researchers chose a group of 500 newborns who were most heavily exposed to alcohol, plus a sampling of newborns with exposures varying from total abstinence to heavy drinking. Years later, at an average age of 25.7 years, 400 members of the newborn group were...
October 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Prenatal exposure to alcohol causes birth defects, as well as abnormal development in attention and memory, executive functioning, motor skills, learning, and judgment. This study examined how psychiatric problems might also be linked to prenatal alcohol exposure. Beginning with a longitudinal study of 1,529 pregnant women, researchers chose a group of 500 newborns who were most heavily exposed to alcohol, plus a sampling of newborns with exposures varying from total abstinence to heavy drinking. Years later, at an average age of 25.7 years, 400 members of the newborn group were...
easyaccessdrugs.com
October 31st, 2006 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Three national drug-use monitoring studies have cited significant increases in prescription opioid use over the past 5 years, particularly among young people. The causes for this increase are unknown; however, the leadership of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have both expressed concern that online pharmacies selling medications without prescriptions may be playing a role. Very little is known about these “no-prescription websites” (NPWs), their characteristics, or the degree to which they contribute to drug abuse....
October 31st, 2006 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Three national drug-use monitoring studies have cited significant increases in prescription opioid use over the past 5 years, particularly among young people. The causes for this increase are unknown; however, the leadership of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have both expressed concern that online pharmacies selling medications without prescriptions may be playing a role. Very little is known about these “no-prescription websites” (NPWs), their characteristics, or the degree to which they contribute to drug abuse....
Early Intervention with Youth More Effective
October 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol is the drug of choice for youth in the United States. By 8th grade, more than 40 percent of youth have used alcohol; by 12th grade, almost 80 percent have done so. Many of these young people began drinking at early ages. On average, boys start drinking earlier than girls, and whites and Native Americans start drinking earlier than other races/ethnicities. With alcohol consumption such a prevalent behavior among young people, it is crucial to understand the initiation of drinking as well as possible causes so as to facilitate interventions to delay this behavior. This study 1)...
October 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol is the drug of choice for youth in the United States. By 8th grade, more than 40 percent of youth have used alcohol; by 12th grade, almost 80 percent have done so. Many of these young people began drinking at early ages. On average, boys start drinking earlier than girls, and whites and Native Americans start drinking earlier than other races/ethnicities. With alcohol consumption such a prevalent behavior among young people, it is crucial to understand the initiation of drinking as well as possible causes so as to facilitate interventions to delay this behavior. This study 1)...
Women Are Drinking Less
August 31st, 2006 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
There has been a growing public concern about women’s drinking habits because current research in women’s health issues point to links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, higher risk of alcohol-related liver problems as compared with men, and the risks of fetal alcohol syndrome. There is also a fear that alcohol may pose an increased risk of physical assault. Given women’s role changes over the past several decades, stresses due to employment, and college and university environments in which heavy drinking occurs, it seems reasonable to expect that more and more women are...
August 31st, 2006 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
There has been a growing public concern about women’s drinking habits because current research in women’s health issues point to links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, higher risk of alcohol-related liver problems as compared with men, and the risks of fetal alcohol syndrome. There is also a fear that alcohol may pose an increased risk of physical assault. Given women’s role changes over the past several decades, stresses due to employment, and college and university environments in which heavy drinking occurs, it seems reasonable to expect that more and more women are...
All You Have Is a Wide-Awake Drunk
August 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
It has been suggested so-called energy drinks might reduce the intensity of the depressant effects of alcohol. Users who combine alcohol with an energy drink frequently report a reduction in sleeplessness and an increase in pleasure when these drinks are combined. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this hypothesis. A recent study in Brazil evaluated the effects of the simultaneous ingestion of an alcohol (vodka) and an energy drink (Red Bull) compared with those who ingested an alcohol or an energy drink alone. Twenty-six healthy volunteers in their early twenties...
August 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
It has been suggested so-called energy drinks might reduce the intensity of the depressant effects of alcohol. Users who combine alcohol with an energy drink frequently report a reduction in sleeplessness and an increase in pleasure when these drinks are combined. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this hypothesis. A recent study in Brazil evaluated the effects of the simultaneous ingestion of an alcohol (vodka) and an energy drink (Red Bull) compared with those who ingested an alcohol or an energy drink alone. Twenty-six healthy volunteers in their early twenties...
A Bad Rap for Rap Music
August 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Congreve wrote in 1697, “Music has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, to soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.” Research seems to show that this famous adage is not valid in our day, especially if it is the music popular with American youth. Prior research suggests that there are connections between preferences for certain music genres and risky behaviors. Studies have concluded that rap music, the predominant genre of hip-hop culture, more than any other genre, encourages risky behaviors and may have some influence on youth. Many rap musicians have promoted alcoholic beverages, especially...
August 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Congreve wrote in 1697, “Music has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, to soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.” Research seems to show that this famous adage is not valid in our day, especially if it is the music popular with American youth. Prior research suggests that there are connections between preferences for certain music genres and risky behaviors. Studies have concluded that rap music, the predominant genre of hip-hop culture, more than any other genre, encourages risky behaviors and may have some influence on youth. Many rap musicians have promoted alcoholic beverages, especially...
College Student Pill Use Second Only to Pot
April 30th, 2005 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to previous research, the illicit use of prescription pain medication has increased significantly among college students during the past decade, reaching a historic high point in 2002. This University of Michigan study assesses the characteristics of undergraduate college students who illicitly use prescription pain medication. Researchers secured a random sample of 19,378 full-time undergraduate students from the Registrar’s Office at a large Midwestern university in the United States, e-mailing each of them an invitation to self-administer the Student Life Survey via the...
April 30th, 2005 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to previous research, the illicit use of prescription pain medication has increased significantly among college students during the past decade, reaching a historic high point in 2002. This University of Michigan study assesses the characteristics of undergraduate college students who illicitly use prescription pain medication. Researchers secured a random sample of 19,378 full-time undergraduate students from the Registrar’s Office at a large Midwestern university in the United States, e-mailing each of them an invitation to self-administer the Student Life Survey via the...
Alcohol/Drug Crossover in Men with a Family History of Alcoholism Examined
January 31st, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 50% of young adults assessed with illicit drug disorders (abuse and dependence) also met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. However, among those assessed with an alcohol use disorder (abuse and dependence), only one-third also met the criteria for an illicit drug disorder. Prior research had identified several factors contributing to the crossover between alcohol and other substance abuse and dependence. In adults, antisocial personality disorder, manic depressive disease and schizophrenia have been associated with an...
January 31st, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 50% of young adults assessed with illicit drug disorders (abuse and dependence) also met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. However, among those assessed with an alcohol use disorder (abuse and dependence), only one-third also met the criteria for an illicit drug disorder. Prior research had identified several factors contributing to the crossover between alcohol and other substance abuse and dependence. In adults, antisocial personality disorder, manic depressive disease and schizophrenia have been associated with an...
College Drinking Has Serious Health Consequences
August 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Heavy episodic drinking by college students has been associated with numerous adverse consequences. Alcohol poisoning and serious injuries are of particular concern. However, neither the incidence nor the demographic and clinical characteristics of these health consequences has been clearly defined. In this study the medical records of college students who sought treatment at a university medical center emergency department were examined. A total of 1,529 records were viewed by the researchers. Of these 193 (13%) had alcohol use as a contributing factor. Five percent of these students...
August 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Heavy episodic drinking by college students has been associated with numerous adverse consequences. Alcohol poisoning and serious injuries are of particular concern. However, neither the incidence nor the demographic and clinical characteristics of these health consequences has been clearly defined. In this study the medical records of college students who sought treatment at a university medical center emergency department were examined. A total of 1,529 records were viewed by the researchers. Of these 193 (13%) had alcohol use as a contributing factor. Five percent of these students...
Intoxicated and Underage Find Easy Access to Alcohol
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol, America’s youth, car crashes, violence: the connections aren’t difficult to make. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that of the more than 6,000 youth (ages 15 to 20) who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2000, nearly 40 percent (2,339) were alcohol-related. Furthermore, according to national police data from 1998, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 29) committed 37 percent of those violent incidents that involved alcohol. This study examined how clerk/server, outlet, and neighborhood characteristics may contribute to alcohol sales to underage or...
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol, America’s youth, car crashes, violence: the connections aren’t difficult to make. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that of the more than 6,000 youth (ages 15 to 20) who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2000, nearly 40 percent (2,339) were alcohol-related. Furthermore, according to national police data from 1998, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 29) committed 37 percent of those violent incidents that involved alcohol. This study examined how clerk/server, outlet, and neighborhood characteristics may contribute to alcohol sales to underage or...
National Alcohol Screening Day Proves Worthwhile
April 30th, 2004 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In 1992, 14 million Americans were diagnosed with alcohol use disorders and an estimated 20% more could have been classified as risky drinkers, yet only an estimated 3.4 million Americans received alcohol treatment. This disparity led to the creation in 1999 of National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), a program providing public education, screening, and referral for treatment. There were 1,218 community sites (mostly general and psychiatric hospitals) and 499 college sites across the United States that participated in the AUDIT screening, a ten-question self-test developed by the World Health...
April 30th, 2004 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In 1992, 14 million Americans were diagnosed with alcohol use disorders and an estimated 20% more could have been classified as risky drinkers, yet only an estimated 3.4 million Americans received alcohol treatment. This disparity led to the creation in 1999 of National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), a program providing public education, screening, and referral for treatment. There were 1,218 community sites (mostly general and psychiatric hospitals) and 499 college sites across the United States that participated in the AUDIT screening, a ten-question self-test developed by the World Health...
Who Do Alcohol Ads Think They Are Kidding?
January 31st, 2003 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
More than $1 billion is spent on alcohol advertising each year via television, radio, magazines, billboards, and posters in public venues. Although many complex factors (parents, friends, other environmental influences) shape children’s attitudes about alcohol, there is a growing concern about the potential effects that alcohol advertising may have on young people. Studies indicate that children and adolescents who are more exposed to alcohol advertisements 1) believe that drinking is more likely to have positive consequences, 2) perceive higher levels of alcohol use by, and approval of,...
January 31st, 2003 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
More than $1 billion is spent on alcohol advertising each year via television, radio, magazines, billboards, and posters in public venues. Although many complex factors (parents, friends, other environmental influences) shape children’s attitudes about alcohol, there is a growing concern about the potential effects that alcohol advertising may have on young people. Studies indicate that children and adolescents who are more exposed to alcohol advertisements 1) believe that drinking is more likely to have positive consequences, 2) perceive higher levels of alcohol use by, and approval of,...
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