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Prevention
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The Adolescent Brain and Substance Use
February 27th, 2013 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Adolescence is a unique period of growth characterized by major physiological, psychological, social, and brain changes. It is also a time when two harmful behaviors often emerge: substance use and risk taking. National surveys indicate that the prevalence of substance use increases markedly from early to late adolescence, peaking during the transition into young adulthood. Nearly 8% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 and 21% of 18- to 25-year-olds meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). Adolescent brain development and advances in cognitive control do not occur in a straight...
February 27th, 2013 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Adolescence is a unique period of growth characterized by major physiological, psychological, social, and brain changes. It is also a time when two harmful behaviors often emerge: substance use and risk taking. National surveys indicate that the prevalence of substance use increases markedly from early to late adolescence, peaking during the transition into young adulthood. Nearly 8% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 and 21% of 18- to 25-year-olds meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). Adolescent brain development and advances in cognitive control do not occur in a straight...
African American Beliefs about Genetic Testing
February 27th, 2013 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
This study evaluated the perceived importance among African Americans of genetic testing for alcohol dependence compared with other diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. The researchers point out that inclusion of minorities in research on genetic testing is vital because genetics is at the frontier in the battle for health care equity. No specific genetic tests are currently available to determine an individual’s risk for alcohol dependence. However, genetic testing for alcohol use disorders and related diseases is feasible. Thus this study is meant to serve as an example...
February 27th, 2013 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
This study evaluated the perceived importance among African Americans of genetic testing for alcohol dependence compared with other diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. The researchers point out that inclusion of minorities in research on genetic testing is vital because genetics is at the frontier in the battle for health care equity. No specific genetic tests are currently available to determine an individual’s risk for alcohol dependence. However, genetic testing for alcohol use disorders and related diseases is feasible. Thus this study is meant to serve as an example...
Addiction Medicine Training for the Future
February 27th, 2013 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
There is a profound discrepancy between the extent of substance abuse in the United States and access to treatment. This deficiency can be partly attributed to a lack of professional experts in addiction medicine due to inadequate training of medical students and residents. This article in Psychiatric Clinics of North America describes how deficits in addiction medicine training stem from the complex need for multiple credentialing, competition between educators for “more time” for their particular subject, and stigma regarding alcoholism and other substance abuse among entities that...
February 27th, 2013 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
There is a profound discrepancy between the extent of substance abuse in the United States and access to treatment. This deficiency can be partly attributed to a lack of professional experts in addiction medicine due to inadequate training of medical students and residents. This article in Psychiatric Clinics of North America describes how deficits in addiction medicine training stem from the complex need for multiple credentialing, competition between educators for “more time” for their particular subject, and stigma regarding alcoholism and other substance abuse among entities that...
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...
Smoking Bans Linked To Less Heart and Lung Disease
January 28th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
There is longstanding evidence linking secondhand smoke exposure to an increased risk for both lung cancer and heart disease. In response, many communities have instituted clean air policies banning smoking in public locations including workplaces. Previous studies were limited in scope or lacked controls for other factors. To address these issues, this study examined how clean air laws in communities across the United States affected the hospitalizations of Medicare beneficiaries sixty-five or older for two smoking-related conditions—acute myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive...
January 28th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
There is longstanding evidence linking secondhand smoke exposure to an increased risk for both lung cancer and heart disease. In response, many communities have instituted clean air policies banning smoking in public locations including workplaces. Previous studies were limited in scope or lacked controls for other factors. To address these issues, this study examined how clean air laws in communities across the United States affected the hospitalizations of Medicare beneficiaries sixty-five or older for two smoking-related conditions—acute myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive...
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...
Family Environments Impact Drug Behavior
November 27th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Previous studies have shown that early family experiences have a large impact on children’s future behaviors, including substance use and other negative outcomes. As children establish their own families, they build upon the skills and practices they learned in their family of origin. Thus, both risk and protective factors from the family of origin affect levels of risk or protection in the family of cohabitation formed with a spouse or a romantic partner. Previous research has shown that alcohol and tobacco dependence are linked and are influenced by family environmental factors, both...
November 27th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Previous studies have shown that early family experiences have a large impact on children’s future behaviors, including substance use and other negative outcomes. As children establish their own families, they build upon the skills and practices they learned in their family of origin. Thus, both risk and protective factors from the family of origin affect levels of risk or protection in the family of cohabitation formed with a spouse or a romantic partner. Previous research has shown that alcohol and tobacco dependence are linked and are influenced by family environmental factors, both...
Drinking by Moms May Mean Bad Behavior Babies
September 26th, 2012 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
One in every eight women report consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Earlier studies have shown that prenatal alcohol consumption is associated with behavioral difficulties in children, including conduct and attention problems. Animal research has found that moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with irritability, attention problems, and poor neurological functioning in offspring. This study examined the effect of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy on infant behavioral outcomes and birth weight, and investigated differential susceptibility to these effects. The...
September 26th, 2012 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
One in every eight women report consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Earlier studies have shown that prenatal alcohol consumption is associated with behavioral difficulties in children, including conduct and attention problems. Animal research has found that moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with irritability, attention problems, and poor neurological functioning in offspring. This study examined the effect of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy on infant behavioral outcomes and birth weight, and investigated differential susceptibility to these effects. 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...
Parents Do Matter
August 24th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Preventing harmful substance use and early intervention are critical to keeping youth healthy and successful. Parents are a key to prevention since parenting practices and perceptions about substance use can produce either a risky or protective environment for their children. The Partnership at Drugfree.org developed Parents: You Matter (PYM) to teach parents of 12- to 17-year-olds about substance use, and to provide them with tools and resources to prevent substance use or, if necessary, to intervene if harmful use occurs. This report in Community Science assessed the effectiveness of...
August 24th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Preventing harmful substance use and early intervention are critical to keeping youth healthy and successful. Parents are a key to prevention since parenting practices and perceptions about substance use can produce either a risky or protective environment for their children. The Partnership at Drugfree.org developed Parents: You Matter (PYM) to teach parents of 12- to 17-year-olds about substance use, and to provide them with tools and resources to prevent substance use or, if necessary, to intervene if harmful use occurs. This report in Community Science assessed the effectiveness of...
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...
White Coats and Tweed Coats
June 19th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
“Historians make for excellent companions—until they turn quarrelsome.” So states David T. Courtwright in his recent review article about the sometimes tense relationship between researchers who “do” science and historians who, with the advantage of hindsight, write about it. Courtwright, who has himself authored books about drug history, describes his colleagues’ contributions to the addiction field. He points to a landmark history of the tobacco industry, Allan Brandt’s The Cigarette Century , as an example of narrative history’s “cardinal virtues”: efficiency,...
June 19th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
“Historians make for excellent companions—until they turn quarrelsome.” So states David T. Courtwright in his recent review article about the sometimes tense relationship between researchers who “do” science and historians who, with the advantage of hindsight, write about it. Courtwright, who has himself authored books about drug history, describes his colleagues’ contributions to the addiction field. He points to a landmark history of the tobacco industry, Allan Brandt’s The Cigarette Century , as an example of narrative history’s “cardinal virtues”: efficiency,...
Some Colleges Outscore Others in Prevention Policies
April 23rd, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
University of Minnesota researchers surveyed four year colleges, collecting data on their alcohol policies and practices. The objective was to inventory and analyze alcohol prevention efforts across the various sizes and types of U.S. colleges. Initially 2482 colleges with residential campuses that offered several majors were identified. A weighted procedure was used that sampled colleges in proportion to student enrollment. The final selection of 569 included 100 small private, 100 small public, 101 large private, and 268 large public colleges. Through telephone queries of an official...
April 23rd, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
University of Minnesota researchers surveyed four year colleges, collecting data on their alcohol policies and practices. The objective was to inventory and analyze alcohol prevention efforts across the various sizes and types of U.S. colleges. Initially 2482 colleges with residential campuses that offered several majors were identified. A weighted procedure was used that sampled colleges in proportion to student enrollment. The final selection of 569 included 100 small private, 100 small public, 101 large private, and 268 large public colleges. Through telephone queries of an official...
Clues to Adolescents at Risk for Alcohol Dependence
December 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Current data show that drinking usually begins in the teen years. By 12th grade 86% have consumed alcohol and 55% have had at least one drink in the last 30 days. Previous research also indicates that many teen drinkers experience some signs of alcohol dependence without a prior diagnosis of alcohol abuse. Further studies have shown that an early age of drinking onset (14 and under) considerably increases the likelihood of experiencing alcohol dependence in adulthood. This current study at Wesleyan University sought to assess the prevalence of alcohol dependence diagnosis in a...
December 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Current data show that drinking usually begins in the teen years. By 12th grade 86% have consumed alcohol and 55% have had at least one drink in the last 30 days. Previous research also indicates that many teen drinkers experience some signs of alcohol dependence without a prior diagnosis of alcohol abuse. Further studies have shown that an early age of drinking onset (14 and under) considerably increases the likelihood of experiencing alcohol dependence in adulthood. This current study at Wesleyan University sought to assess the prevalence of alcohol dependence diagnosis in a...
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...
Proven Health Programs for Schools and Communities
October 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Healthy People is a government sponsored program to provide science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans. For over thirty years Healthy People has established benchmarks to measure the impact of prevention efforts and to guide individuals toward making informed health decisions. One of the objectives of Healthy People 2020 is to increase the number of elementary, middle, and high schools that provide comprehensive health education in the areas of injury, violence, suicide, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, unintended pregnancy, HIV/Aids,...
October 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Healthy People is a government sponsored program to provide science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans. For over thirty years Healthy People has established benchmarks to measure the impact of prevention efforts and to guide individuals toward making informed health decisions. One of the objectives of Healthy People 2020 is to increase the number of elementary, middle, and high schools that provide comprehensive health education in the areas of injury, violence, suicide, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, unintended pregnancy, HIV/Aids,...
Do Parents Know Best?
September 1st, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
Researchers at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles examined the questions, “Do parents accurately perceive the attitudes of other parents about their college students’ use of alcohol?” and, “What is the effect of these perceptions on the alcohol related attitudes of their own college student’s drinking?” Recent research indicated that parents still have significant impact on their college student’s alcohol use. Parental influences such as permissiveness or parental monitoring were found to impact alcohol use. It had also been shown that parental disapproval of...
September 1st, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
Researchers at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles examined the questions, “Do parents accurately perceive the attitudes of other parents about their college students’ use of alcohol?” and, “What is the effect of these perceptions on the alcohol related attitudes of their own college student’s drinking?” Recent research indicated that parents still have significant impact on their college student’s alcohol use. Parental influences such as permissiveness or parental monitoring were found to impact alcohol use. It had also been shown that parental disapproval of...
Global Commission on Drug Policy Offers Tough Recommendations
August 4th, 2011 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
“The global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world...fundamental reforms in national and global drug control policies are urgently needed.” So states the June 2011 report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy, a 19-member commission including former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. official George P. Schultz, former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, former presidents of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, the current prime minister of Greece and other notable figures. The purpose of the Global...
August 4th, 2011 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
“The global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world...fundamental reforms in national and global drug control policies are urgently needed.” So states the June 2011 report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy, a 19-member commission including former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. official George P. Schultz, former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, former presidents of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, the current prime minister of Greece and other notable figures. The purpose of the Global...
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...
Parent Incentive Program Reduces Problems of Kids
July 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), 13.6% of all children ages 3-5 live in a home where one or more parents have a past year diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence. Parental drug abuse increases risk of conduct problems in their children. The pre-school period and transition to elementary school is particularly important because that is when the onset of life-course-persistent problems occurs. This innovative study at the Center for Addiction Research, the University of Arkansas, consisting of homework, class sessions, and a novel...
July 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), 13.6% of all children ages 3-5 live in a home where one or more parents have a past year diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence. Parental drug abuse increases risk of conduct problems in their children. The pre-school period and transition to elementary school is particularly important because that is when the onset of life-course-persistent problems occurs. This innovative study at the Center for Addiction Research, the University of Arkansas, consisting of homework, class sessions, and a novel...
High School Pregaming: an indicator of wider hazardous alcohol use
June 2nd, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Pregaming is an urban slang term that has found its way into the mainstream vernacular. Pregaming is the practice of drinking alcohol prior to attending parties, sporting events or social gatherings. There have been studies of this practice in the college setting but little is known about the prevalence of this behavior in high school students. This study examined how gender, age, alcohol expectancies, motivations for drinking, and engagement in other risky alcohol use were associated with high school pregaming. The prevalence of this behavior was derived from a parent approved...
June 2nd, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Pregaming is an urban slang term that has found its way into the mainstream vernacular. Pregaming is the practice of drinking alcohol prior to attending parties, sporting events or social gatherings. There have been studies of this practice in the college setting but little is known about the prevalence of this behavior in high school students. This study examined how gender, age, alcohol expectancies, motivations for drinking, and engagement in other risky alcohol use were associated with high school pregaming. The prevalence of this behavior was derived from a parent approved...
U.S. Youth Switching to the Hard Stuff
June 2nd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Nearly half of 8th-grade youth have used alcohol. By the end of high school almost three-fourths have initiated use. Alcohol is a key contributor to the causes of death among those 10 to 24 years—motor-vehicle mortality, suicide, and unintentional injuries. Alcohol continues to be the drug of choice among adolescents but consumption has shifted from beer to liquor. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use, particularly hard liquor. Specific types of alcohol may be associated with different levels...
June 2nd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Nearly half of 8th-grade youth have used alcohol. By the end of high school almost three-fourths have initiated use. Alcohol is a key contributor to the causes of death among those 10 to 24 years—motor-vehicle mortality, suicide, and unintentional injuries. Alcohol continues to be the drug of choice among adolescents but consumption has shifted from beer to liquor. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use, particularly hard liquor. Specific types of alcohol may be associated with different levels...
Tailgating Proves Dangerous
May 6th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Of historical interest, the practice of partying before events (tailgating) is associated with American football but it traces its origins to the 1861 Civil war Battle of Bull Run. Supporters of the Union showed up in their wagons with baskets of food and enthusiastically cheered for the Union soldiers. This modern day study measured alcohol consumption by students and non-students tailgating prior to football games at one southeastern university (School 1) and one Midwestern university (School 2). Approximately 75 % of those approached agreed to participate. Researchers did not...
May 6th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Of historical interest, the practice of partying before events (tailgating) is associated with American football but it traces its origins to the 1861 Civil war Battle of Bull Run. Supporters of the Union showed up in their wagons with baskets of food and enthusiastically cheered for the Union soldiers. This modern day study measured alcohol consumption by students and non-students tailgating prior to football games at one southeastern university (School 1) and one Midwestern university (School 2). Approximately 75 % of those approached agreed to participate. Researchers did not...
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...
Encouraging Report about Remission from Dependence
March 31st, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Remission (cessation of disease symptoms) from dependence on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine is an observable occurrence, but how often does it occur and to whom? Are there discernable patterns and predictors of remission that could aid in developing timely prevention and treatment? A new study sought to estimate the specific probability of remission for each of those substances and to determine whether race or ethnicity played a role. The National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) provided a database of individuals who at some point in their...
March 31st, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Remission (cessation of disease symptoms) from dependence on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine is an observable occurrence, but how often does it occur and to whom? Are there discernable patterns and predictors of remission that could aid in developing timely prevention and treatment? A new study sought to estimate the specific probability of remission for each of those substances and to determine whether race or ethnicity played a role. The National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) provided a database of individuals who at some point in their...
Preventing Fetal Alcohol Disorders
March 3rd, 2011 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol is a teratogen (a substance capable of interfering with the development of organ systems, including the central nervous system). Alcohol use by pregnant women 18-44 years old is a leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the US. Yet, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are entirely preventable as long as pregnant women do not drink alcohol. According to this recent report sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol use prior to pregnancy is a strong predictor of use during pregnancy. Previously reported data...
March 3rd, 2011 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol is a teratogen (a substance capable of interfering with the development of organ systems, including the central nervous system). Alcohol use by pregnant women 18-44 years old is a leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the US. Yet, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are entirely preventable as long as pregnant women do not drink alcohol. According to this recent report sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol use prior to pregnancy is a strong predictor of use during pregnancy. Previously reported data...
Evidence-Based Prevention Programs for Schools
March 3rd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Healthy People 2020 are a government-sponsored program to provide science-based 10-year objectives for improving the health of all Americans. One objective is to “Increase the proportion of elementary, middle, and senior high schools that provide comprehensive school health education to prevent health problems.” A University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Medical University of South Carolina study examined the role of education in this effort and identified evidence-based, peer-reviewed programs, strategies, and resources. The results were organized in the categories of sexual...
March 3rd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Healthy People 2020 are a government-sponsored program to provide science-based 10-year objectives for improving the health of all Americans. One objective is to “Increase the proportion of elementary, middle, and senior high schools that provide comprehensive school health education to prevent health problems.” A University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Medical University of South Carolina study examined the role of education in this effort and identified evidence-based, peer-reviewed programs, strategies, and resources. The results were organized in the categories of sexual...
Substance Use among Early Adolescent Girls
February 4th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
This study at Columbia University looked at the risk and protective factors surrounding alcohol and drug use by young girls. According to the study, adolescent girls are surpassing boys in their use of alcohol and other drugs. The objective was to learn more about gender-specific risk and protective factors - knowledge that might be useful in the design of prevention programs. Mother-daughter pairs (781) were recruited via ads, signs in buses, and a radio station serving the greater New York City. Three-fourths of the girls sampled were African American or Latina. Participants were given...
February 4th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
This study at Columbia University looked at the risk and protective factors surrounding alcohol and drug use by young girls. According to the study, adolescent girls are surpassing boys in their use of alcohol and other drugs. The objective was to learn more about gender-specific risk and protective factors - knowledge that might be useful in the design of prevention programs. Mother-daughter pairs (781) were recruited via ads, signs in buses, and a radio station serving the greater New York City. Three-fourths of the girls sampled were African American or Latina. Participants were given...
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...
Life Course Drinking and Disease Risk
January 7th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
The goal of this study was to estimate the relationship between lifetime drinking experiences (life course patterns) and the risk of diabetes, heart problems, and hypertension. This study states that previous studies of both the protective and harmful effects of alcohol consumption on heart disease and related conditions are inconclusive because of poor alcohol-intake measurement, rarely including current drinking, lack of lifetime drinking assessment, not differentiating former drinkers from lifetime abstainers, and inconsistent and incomplete controls. For this work, data were...
January 7th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
The goal of this study was to estimate the relationship between lifetime drinking experiences (life course patterns) and the risk of diabetes, heart problems, and hypertension. This study states that previous studies of both the protective and harmful effects of alcohol consumption on heart disease and related conditions are inconclusive because of poor alcohol-intake measurement, rarely including current drinking, lack of lifetime drinking assessment, not differentiating former drinkers from lifetime abstainers, and inconsistent and incomplete controls. For this work, data were...
Effectiveness of High School Substance Use Prevention Programs
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys show that initiation of teen substance use increases rapidly during middle and high school grades. This study points to a lack of evidence-based drug prevention programs in high schools. Researchers identified eight prevention programs recognized as evidence-based and classified as “model” or effective” based on the following criteria: (1) they target substance use; (2) they are intended for all students; (3) they are designed for use in high school; and (4) they are classified as effective by either the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or...
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys show that initiation of teen substance use increases rapidly during middle and high school grades. This study points to a lack of evidence-based drug prevention programs in high schools. Researchers identified eight prevention programs recognized as evidence-based and classified as “model” or effective” based on the following criteria: (1) they target substance use; (2) they are intended for all students; (3) they are designed for use in high school; and (4) they are classified as effective by either the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or...
Parental Movie Restrictions and Youth Alcohol Use
December 2nd, 2010 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
Research has linked entertainment media with aggressive behavior, smoking, and sexual behavior. But less is known about the relationship between movies and alcohol use. This Dartmouth Medical School study looked at how parental restrictions on R-movie viewing influenced the risk of early-onset alcohol use. Participants were 3577 New England middle school youths (grades 5-8) who had reported never drinking. The question was asked, “How often do your parents let you watch R-rated movies or videos?” Follow-up was conducted 13-36 months later using a computer assisted telephone...
December 2nd, 2010 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
Research has linked entertainment media with aggressive behavior, smoking, and sexual behavior. But less is known about the relationship between movies and alcohol use. This Dartmouth Medical School study looked at how parental restrictions on R-movie viewing influenced the risk of early-onset alcohol use. Participants were 3577 New England middle school youths (grades 5-8) who had reported never drinking. The question was asked, “How often do your parents let you watch R-rated movies or videos?” Follow-up was conducted 13-36 months later using a computer assisted telephone...
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...
How Children Perceive Alcohol Use Risks
November 11th, 2010 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study by University of Maryland researchers looked at the difference between children's self-perceptions of their risk of alcohol use versus their perceptions of risk of alcohol use for other children, and whether these discrepancies predicted children's future alcohol use. They cite research indicating that 58% of U.S. children have had at least minimal experience with alcohol before the age of 12 years and that recent evidence shows those children’s perceptions about alcohol risk is a predictor of early-onset alcohol use. This study examined 277 children ages 9 to 13...
November 11th, 2010 / Children / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study by University of Maryland researchers looked at the difference between children's self-perceptions of their risk of alcohol use versus their perceptions of risk of alcohol use for other children, and whether these discrepancies predicted children's future alcohol use. They cite research indicating that 58% of U.S. children have had at least minimal experience with alcohol before the age of 12 years and that recent evidence shows those children’s perceptions about alcohol risk is a predictor of early-onset alcohol use. This study examined 277 children ages 9 to 13...
Are AA Sponsors Beneficial?
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment for addictions based on the Twelve Step teachings and traditional practices of Alcoholics Anonymous is the prevalent clinical model in the U.S. A primary objective of this model is to connect the recovering person to a community-based AA affiliation. Several studies have shown the beneficial relationship between AA attendance and increased abstinence. Other studies have shown the positive relationship between the social support of AA and substance use reductions. Encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is common practice and is seen as an important means of increasing the...
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment for addictions based on the Twelve Step teachings and traditional practices of Alcoholics Anonymous is the prevalent clinical model in the U.S. A primary objective of this model is to connect the recovering person to a community-based AA affiliation. Several studies have shown the beneficial relationship between AA attendance and increased abstinence. Other studies have shown the positive relationship between the social support of AA and substance use reductions. Encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is common practice and is seen as an important means of increasing the...
Does Availability Increase Teen Drinking?
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Restricting access to alcohol is thought to reduce underage drinking. Community policies such as strict enforcement of underage drinking laws and responsible beverage server training have proven effective. Research has also shown an association between geographic availability of alcohol and consumption. A recent study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation examined whether the frequently advocated strategy of limiting the number or density of alcohol purveyors in a neighborhood further reduces underage drinking. The study focused on adolescents from 50 California zip...
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Restricting access to alcohol is thought to reduce underage drinking. Community policies such as strict enforcement of underage drinking laws and responsible beverage server training have proven effective. Research has also shown an association between geographic availability of alcohol and consumption. A recent study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation examined whether the frequently advocated strategy of limiting the number or density of alcohol purveyors in a neighborhood further reduces underage drinking. The study focused on adolescents from 50 California zip...
Brief Intervention Cuts Alcohol – Related Teen Violence
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
In 2006 there were nearly 20,000 emergency department (ED) visits by patients aged 15 to 24 years. These ED visits are an opportunity for intervention efforts to reach adolescents not attending school, who lack a primary care MD, or who are otherwise outside mainstream medical care. A recent study conducted at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan looked at whether therapist and computer interventions could be effective in reducing adolescent violence and alcohol misuse. Over a 3-year period (2006-2009) 3,338 patients 14-18 years old completed a 15-minute computerized survey....
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
In 2006 there were nearly 20,000 emergency department (ED) visits by patients aged 15 to 24 years. These ED visits are an opportunity for intervention efforts to reach adolescents not attending school, who lack a primary care MD, or who are otherwise outside mainstream medical care. A recent study conducted at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan looked at whether therapist and computer interventions could be effective in reducing adolescent violence and alcohol misuse. Over a 3-year period (2006-2009) 3,338 patients 14-18 years old completed a 15-minute computerized survey....
AOD Treatment Reduces Family Medical Costs
August 19th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use disorders are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses. Family members of individuals with alcohol and other drug (AOD) disorders have higher medical costs than those with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma and have more medical and psychiatric conditions than families without AOD disorders. Past studies provided evidence of reduced family medical costs following AOD treatment but most were based on alcohol-based treatment, did not match patients or families with non-AOD affected families (controls), or consider the AOD patient's treatment...
August 19th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use disorders are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses. Family members of individuals with alcohol and other drug (AOD) disorders have higher medical costs than those with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma and have more medical and psychiatric conditions than families without AOD disorders. Past studies provided evidence of reduced family medical costs following AOD treatment but most were based on alcohol-based treatment, did not match patients or families with non-AOD affected families (controls), or consider the AOD patient's treatment...
Nicotine Clue to Other Disorders
August 18th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
The prevalence of nicotine dependence among those suffering from alcohol dependence is as high as 50%. In fact, smokers with a long history of alcohol dependence are more likely to die of smoking-related diseases rather than alcohol-related diseases. Past research also shows an association between nicotine dependence, addictive diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This large scale study examined the socio-demographic factors and mental disorders associated with nicotine dependence among alcohol dependent persons. From a US national survey of 43,000 adults, responses were...
August 18th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
The prevalence of nicotine dependence among those suffering from alcohol dependence is as high as 50%. In fact, smokers with a long history of alcohol dependence are more likely to die of smoking-related diseases rather than alcohol-related diseases. Past research also shows an association between nicotine dependence, addictive diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This large scale study examined the socio-demographic factors and mental disorders associated with nicotine dependence among alcohol dependent persons. From a US national survey of 43,000 adults, responses were...
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...
Alcohol and Marijuana: the Prevalent Combination
January 31st, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the high prevalence of both alcohol and illegal substance use, little research has been conducted on concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs. Concurrent use is defined as the use of alcohol and other drugs during the same time period, while simultaneous use is the use of alcohol and other drugs at the same time. Using data from the 2000 National Alcohol Survey, researchers looked at the prevalence of concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol with marijuana, cocaine/crack, uppers, downers, heroin/opiates, hallucinogens, and painkillers in the general U.S. population....
January 31st, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the high prevalence of both alcohol and illegal substance use, little research has been conducted on concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs. Concurrent use is defined as the use of alcohol and other drugs during the same time period, while simultaneous use is the use of alcohol and other drugs at the same time. Using data from the 2000 National Alcohol Survey, researchers looked at the prevalence of concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol with marijuana, cocaine/crack, uppers, downers, heroin/opiates, hallucinogens, and painkillers in the general U.S. population....
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...
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)...
Another Relapse Prevention Drug
August 31st, 2006 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate are the only treatment medications currently approved for the management of alcohol dependence. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a new antiepileptic drug that reduces glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. Given that acamprosate (ACP) also slows transmission between glutamate nerve cells, this pilot study compares the efficacy and safety of OXC with ACP in recently withdrawn alcohol-dependent patients. Researchers conducted a 24-week study of 30 alcohol-dependent patients seeking outpatient treatment for alcohol-relapse prevention. Patients...
August 31st, 2006 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate are the only treatment medications currently approved for the management of alcohol dependence. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a new antiepileptic drug that reduces glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. Given that acamprosate (ACP) also slows transmission between glutamate nerve cells, this pilot study compares the efficacy and safety of OXC with ACP in recently withdrawn alcohol-dependent patients. Researchers conducted a 24-week study of 30 alcohol-dependent patients seeking outpatient treatment for alcohol-relapse prevention. Patients...
Why Does ‘The First Drink’ Lead to Relapse?
October 31st, 2004 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
This 1974 study at the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine was an early effort to define in a more objective and scientific manner the phenomenon of craving - the longing for alcohol in its absence and loss of control over its use as reported by alcoholics. The hypothesis was that the internal and external cues that seem to be associated with “taking the first drink” could be replicated under controlled and measurable conditions. If that were possible, they reasoned that much could be learned of value in preventing relapse. Twenty-four volunteer subjects were given both high...
October 31st, 2004 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
This 1974 study at the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine was an early effort to define in a more objective and scientific manner the phenomenon of craving - the longing for alcohol in its absence and loss of control over its use as reported by alcoholics. The hypothesis was that the internal and external cues that seem to be associated with “taking the first drink” could be replicated under controlled and measurable conditions. If that were possible, they reasoned that much could be learned of value in preventing relapse. Twenty-four volunteer subjects were given both high...
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