Alcohol abuse

Mental health: almost half of Johannesburg students in new study screened positive for probable depression

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological and social sources of distress.

Key Points: 
  • Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological and social sources of distress.
  • University students are particularly at high risk of depression.
  • One South African study estimated that 24.2% of university students have mild depression, and 12.4% have moderate to severe depression.
  • Globally, an average of about 21% of university students have major depressive disorder.
  • Up-to-date research on the prevalence and drivers of depression among students is crucial to inform potential interventions in this group.
  • Almost half of the study participants screened positive for probable depression.
  • The prevalence of probable depression among undergraduate students in this study was high relative to the general population.

Our study

    • Certain socio-demographic factors were associated with lower odds of screening positive for probable depression.
    • These findings are similar to a recent study among undergraduate physiotherapy clinical students.
    • Those reporting using cannabis were 29% more likely than students who didn’t use cannabis to screen positive for probable depression.
    • Reported alcohol use was common in our study.
    • Our study did not find an association between tobacco use and screening positive for probable depression.

Recommendations

    • The odds of screening positive for depression were associated with specific sociodemographic and selected behavioural factors.
    • Mental health professionals working with undergraduate students at the University of Witwatersrand should strengthen mental health (including depression) and risk factors (substance use) screening and referral for treatment services.

Drinking During Pregnancy Changes Baby's Brain Structure

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 22, 2022

CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new MRI study revealed that consumption of alcohol even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new MRI study revealed that consumption of alcohol even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development.
  • "We found the greatest changes in the temporal brain region and STS," Dr. Kasprian said.
  • Six mothers also reported at least one binge drinking event (exceeding four drinks on one occasion) during pregnancy.
  • "As we show in our study, even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in brain development and delayed brain maturation."

BoardRoom Organics Releases New Adaptogen Stress-Less Tea

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 13, 2022

MIAMI, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Spokesman Tony Petkovich talks about how the idea of stress tea came about "I was visiting some friends in California and after dinner we decided to have a few drinks. Without realizing it we all ordered tea with calming herbs. As we were sitting around enjoying our tea, we started talking about how at the end of the day we don't want alcohol. What we need is the calming affects without the side effects.

Key Points: 
  • BoardRoom Organics has launched its newest product and first beverage, Stress-Less tea.
  • Stress -Less tea features adaptogens that may help reduce stress by lowering cortisol and calming the brain.
  • Without realizing it we all ordered tea with calming herbs.
  • As we were sitting around enjoying our tea, we started talking about how at the end of the day we don't want alcohol.

MRI Reveals Altered Brain Structure in Fetuses Exposed to Alcohol

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 1, 2021

CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the first MRI-based study to investigate pre-natal alcohol exposure, researchers found significant changes in the brain structure of fetuses exposed to alcohol compared to healthy controls.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the first MRI-based study to investigate pre-natal alcohol exposure, researchers found significant changes in the brain structure of fetuses exposed to alcohol compared to healthy controls.
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe form of a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders that result from alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
  • According to Dr. Kasprian, one in 70 pregnancies with alcohol exposure results in fetal alcohol syndrome.
  • Next, they completed an analysis of 12 different brain structures, computing total brain volume and segment volumes of specific brain compartments.

New study finds Perspectum’s LiverMultiScan may positively impact patient participation in liver disease care pathways

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Perspectums LiverMultiScan significantly enhanced patient understanding of chronic liver disease (CLD) care in a first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes, highlighting how it can help improve adherence to lifestyle interventions.

Key Points: 
  • Perspectums LiverMultiScan significantly enhanced patient understanding of chronic liver disease (CLD) care in a first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes, highlighting how it can help improve adherence to lifestyle interventions.
  • None of the participants were in favour of undergoing liver biopsies to monitor disease progression or treatment responses.
  • Victor, a 36-year-old Hepatitis B patient, found undergoing a liver biopsy excruciatingly painful and traumatic and wouldnt want to go through any liver biopsy again.
  • Many participants also explicitly stated that better disease comprehension can lead to better disease outcomes, reduced stress, and improved patient-physician relationship.

Responsibility.org, Traffic Safety Leaders Form National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving, Convene Experts at Conference

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 29, 2021

The alliance will put a spotlight on leaders and subject matter experts from the traffic safety community who are leading conversations on how to better combat impaired driving. NASID is a national response to an alarming rise in traffic fatalities, including a nine percent increase in police-reported alcohol-involved crashes in 2020--a year when vehicle miles traveled drastically declined according to preliminary estimates released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Key Points: 
  • ARLINGTON, Va., July 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading organizations and experts in the traffic safety community formally launched the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID).
  • The alliance will put a spotlight on leaders and subject matter experts from the traffic safety community who are leading conversations on how to better combat impaired driving.
  • By working together with partners dedicated to stopping impaired driving, NASID is on the forefront of encouraging national investment in programs and technology that can ultimately eliminate multiple substance impaired driving," Grondel said.
  • The National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID) works to eliminate all forms of impaired driving, especially multiple substance impaired driving, through DUI system reform, DUI detection, data improvements and technology to effectively fight impaired driving.

NAD Finds "Scientifically Formulated" Claim for Morning Recovery Dietary Supplement Supported; Recommends Modification of "80% Improvement" Claim

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The advertiser's Morning Recovery dietary supplement is promoted to alleviate hangover symptoms if consumed prior to drinking alcohol.

Key Points: 
  • The advertiser's Morning Recovery dietary supplement is promoted to alleviate hangover symptoms if consumed prior to drinking alcohol.
  • The claims at issue, which appeared in internet advertising, were challenged by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).
  • The advertiser stated that it would ensure that future testimonials do not reasonably imply the Morning Recovery will fully eliminate all hangover symptoms.
  • After reviewing the evidence offered by the advertiser in support of the claim that its Morning Recovery dietary supplement is "scientifically formulated to help you bounce back after drinking," NAD determined that the claim was supported.

Alcovit's Answer to the Hangover is a Volcanic Sponge

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 21, 2021

The brand's eponymous elixir offers to do more than just address existing hangover issues through body-bolstering vitamins.

Key Points: 
  • The brand's eponymous elixir offers to do more than just address existing hangover issues through body-bolstering vitamins.
  • Most hangover "cures" on the market don't do anything beyond providing mediocre repair for existing damage.
  • They typically consist of combinations of vitamins and antioxidants that help a body recover once a hangover has already set in.
  • Alcovit claims to offer a solution that heads off a hangover before it ever has a chance to materialize.

King County Increases Patrols to Monitor for Distracted Drivers in Fourth Year of E-DUI Law

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 19, 2021

The King County Target Zero Task Force today announced law enforcement agencies in King County are deploying High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrols from July 25 to August 7 to monitor distracted drivers violating Washingtons Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) law.

Key Points: 
  • The King County Target Zero Task Force today announced law enforcement agencies in King County are deploying High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrols from July 25 to August 7 to monitor distracted drivers violating Washingtons Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) law.
  • Distracted driving remains a priority for the King County Target Zero Task Force and the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.
  • This is the third year HVE patrols have been deployed since Governor Jay Inslee signed the E-DUI law into effect four years ago.
  • The King County Target Zero Task Force recently conducted a survey of over 900 King County motorists to learn how well they understand and adhere to the E-DUI law.

Windrose Recovery announces the addition of Positive Sobriety Institute to their family of addiction treatment programs

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 30, 2021

CHICAGO, June 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Windrose Recovery is pleased to announce that Positive Sobriety Institute is joining their family of privately owned addiction treatment programs in the Midwest.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, June 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Windrose Recovery is pleased to announce that Positive Sobriety Institute is joining their family of privately owned addiction treatment programs in the Midwest.
  • Positive Sobriety Institute (PSI) provides personalized, comprehensive addiction treatment for professionals and individuals in Chicago and throughout the country in a safe, discreet, and supportive environment.
  • "Positive Sobriety Institute is excited to join Windrose Recovery in their pursuit of clinical excellence and personalized addiction treatment," says Dr. Angres.
  • As the newest member in Windrose Recovery's family of treatment programs, Positive Sobriety Institute will join The Manor , Midwest Detox , and Windrose Counseling in providing evidence-based, holistic treatment that is uniquely tailored to create healthy and fulfilling lives for each client.