We know that parents have great influence over their teen when it comes to experimenting with drugs or alcohol. New research suggests that teenage brains can actually form differently, based on the  drinking behavior of their parents. This helps to explain a little more about why some adolescents are at greater risk for alcohol abuse.

Prevention Talks

Parents today are learning how important it is for them to talk to their teen about substance abuse. Adolescents whose parents have ongoing conversations with them about not trying drugs or alcohol are up to 50% less likely to try these substances. Prevention definitely starts at home, and parents can make a conscious decision to be the first and most important step in prevention.

Role Models

The example parents set also affects an adolescent. Kids who grow up watching their parents abuse alcohol are more likely to abuse alcohol themselves at a younger age. Adolescents learn behaviors from their parents and, good or bad, will start following the example set for them.

The latest study, which is published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, looked at the brain chemistry of teens in order to further understand the impact of parental influence. The small study out of Oregon performed MRI scans on adolescents who had no previous experience with drinking, but who were children of alcoholics. They found differences in the areas of the brain that control decision-making compared to teens with no family history of alcoholism. These young people showed weaker development in the decision-making areas of the brain, possibly putting them at risk for making poor choices with regards to drinking in the future.

Bonnie J. Nagel, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University concluded, “Therefore, differences in brain activity may impact the ability of individuals family history of alcoholism to make good decisions in many contexts, and in particular may facilitate poor decision-making in regards to alcohol use. Taken together with other studies on youth family history of alcoholism, these results suggest that atypical brain structure and function exist prior to any substance use, and may contribute to an increased vulnerability for alcoholism in these individuals.” (1)

This study only helps reiterate the important role parents play in keeping their children away from drugs and alcohol. Parents should first of all talk to their children regularly about the dangers of alcohol abuse. Secondly, parents need to set a good example for their teen by drinking responsibly. If a parent’s drinking is out of control, they should seek help right away in order to provide their child with the best chance at living a sober life.

Sources

(1) Familial alcoholism affects teen brains

Teenagers with alcoholic parents more likely to have impulsive and addictive personalities

Parental Alcoholism Linked to Brain Changes in Kids

Some areas of the country are experiencing freezing temperatures for the first time this season. What has been mild weather for many has turned into sub-zero temperatures this week, and it has left many people trying to find ways to stay warm, including taking some risks with alcohol.

Alcohol Makes Us Feel Warm

Drinking alcohol gives us a warm, tingly feeling. Some people feel it after the first glass, while others require a little more to feel it. So then, naturally, many people are under the impression that alcohol warms your body temperature. What better way to warm up on a cold winter night than to gather around the fireplace with a hot toddy? People have been using this line of thinking for centuries, as St. Bernard dogs used to carry brandy in their collars to rescue and warm travelers in the Alps. According to doctors and scientists, however, drinking alcohol is not necessarily a safe way to get warm.

Losing Heat More Quickly

Alcohol makes us feel hot because it causes our blood vessels to dilate. The blood comes closer to the surface of our skin, which makes us feel warm. However, this also brings the person’s body heat away from their core and closer to the surface, causing heat to evaporate off the skin more quickly. The result is a cooler body temperature in the long run.

Slowed Circulation

Alcohol is a depressant which means it slows down our entire system. It slows down circulation, which prevents oxygen from getting to the brain. This is why people die suddenly from drinking too much alcohol; their breathing becomes suppressed, their circulation slowed, and their brain becomes starved of oxygen.

A slower circulatory system also means that the blood is kept from making it to and warming extremities. In cold weather, we want to keep as much blood pumping to our hands and feet as possible in order to prevent frostbite and damage to our extremities.

In any cold weather, a person who drinks alcohol will feel warm at first, but before long will cool off quickly. They may notice that their hands and feet get especially cold. In extreme cold, people are advised not to drink alcohol, as it can slow circulation and cool the body enough to cause serious damage.

Impaired Judgment

Alcohol also impairs judgment. A person consuming alcohol in freezing cold temperatures might be led to make some poor choices. More than one drinker has found themselves out in the elements, unprotected, or breaking through an icy lake because they lost control of their actions.

In moderation, alcohol can be consumed safely, even in cold situations. Always be careful, though, about the effect alcohol has on your body and mental capacity.

Sources

5 Drinking Myths That Can Kill You

Frostbite safety

The Circulation System and Alcohol: A Sinking Ship

MYTH: Will Drinking Alcohol Help You Feel Warmer?

A summary of global drug abuse statistics was released by Australian researchers last week. The report shows the estimated numbers of drug abusers in various areas of the world, and finds that wealthier, more advanced countries are more at risk. Among the study’s findings are estimates of illicit drug abuse throughout the world:

• Between 149 million and 271 million people worldwide used an illicit drug at least once in 2009; which equals 1 in 20 people aged 15 to 64 who have used an illegal drug. (1)
• In North America, nearly 11% of the population aged 15 to 64 used cannabis in 2009. (1)
• Between 14 million and 56 million people aged 15 to 64 worldwide used amphetamine-type stimulants, such as speed and crystal meth. (1)
• Cocaine use was highest in North America in 2009, and it had 14 million to 21 million users worldwide. (1)
• Opioid use, including heroin, had an estimated 12 million to 21 million users globally. The highest rates of use were in the Near and Middle East, where up to 1.4% of the population aged 15 to 64 had tried the drug at least once in 2009. (1)
• There are between 11 million and 21 million people who inject drugs worldwide. (2)

More Drug Abuse in Wealthy Countries

Much of the drug abuse around the world can be found in the wealthiest and most developed countries. This is possibly because residents have more access to drugs, or have the means to buy drugs, or maybe because people in these countries are of the mindset that they deserve what makes them feel the best. The study “serves to confirm something addiction experts have known for some time — that the extent of illicit drug use and abuse in developed countries like the United States has reached epidemic proportions,” said Dr. Jeffrey T. Parsons, a professor in the department of psychology at Hunter College, in New York City. (2)

Prescription Drug Abuse

Countries like the U.S. have other things to worry about also, besides illicit drugs. Legal prescription painkillers are becoming the most abused substances in our country. Dr. Marc Galanter said, “It is important that we call attention to very serious drug abuse problems that still exist in the United States. For example, we are seeing recent increases in abuse of painkillers in the United States, as well as the abuse of MDMA [Ecstasy] by adolescents and young adults. Abuse of these particular drugs is not prevalent in less industrialized countries.” (2)

Tobacco and Alcohol Are Also Risks

Other substance, like tobacco and alcohol also have a huge impact on countries throughout the world. Although illicit drug use was linked with about 250,000 deaths worldwide in 2004, alcohol claimed roughly 2.25 million lives globally during that same time period, while tobacco use led to an estimated 5.1 million deaths. (1)

Sources

(1) Worldwide illegal drug use estimated at 200 million people a year

(2) Global Study Finds Drug Abuse Highest in Richer Nations

200 Million People Use Illicit Drugs, Study Finds

Drinking games and binge drinking are common among young people. College campuses are often settings for this kind of dangerous behavior, and school officials and parents worry about the safety of young people drinking to get drunk. That’s why many people are upset about the number of websites that are dedicated to teaching young people the ins and outs of drinking games.

Knowing How to Drink Responsibly

The websites are all over the Internet, but one in particular is catching some heat in Maine. Launched last week by a former US Navy Chief and a former US Navy Fireman, the site lists various drinking games and how to play them. When asked about critics of the site, owner Jack O’Reilly said, “I served 23 years in the Navy, and you can bet we did a lot of drinking.  And we played our share of drinking games too.  No one ever got hurt; we had a lot of fun – but we could handle it.” (1) Co-owner RJ Anayjuan agrees. “If you’re not able to moderate your drinking, then you shouldn’t drink.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing pool, dancing at the club, or whether you’re playing Kings.  For instance, I’m not much of a drinker at all, but I’ve played my share of drinking games.  I might only take a sip instead of a swill, or I might have nothing but water in my glass.  Plenty of adults get together and have a great time with alcoholic beverages and never get rowdy or drive drunk or anything stupid.” (1)

The site does have a disclaimer that states people shouldn’t drink if they are underage, that they shouldn’t drink and drive, and that the games “should only be played by responsible adults who are able to successfully and safely manage their alcohol intake. Anything less is irresponsible and this site cannot condone any other behavior.” (1) The site also indicates that it will donate some of its proceeds to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Making Binge Drinking Appealing for Young Adults

That’s not good enough, according to many viewers of the site and others like it. Other than one page of a simple disclaimer, there is no instruction on how to drink responsibly, or warnings that many young people die or are hurt from binge drinking every year.

The problem of binge drinking is still on the rise. An Associated Press analysis of federal records found that 157 college-age people, 18 to 23, drank themselves to death from 1999 through 2005. The number of alcohol-poisoning deaths per year rose from 18 in 1999 to 35 in 2005. (2) Many more people are injured or suffer consequences from binge drinking, such as unsafe sex and drug abuse. “There have always been problems with young people and alcohol, but it just seems like they are a little more intense now than they used to be,” said Connie Gores, vice president for student life at Winona State. “The goal of a lot of them is just to get smashed.” (2)

Sources

(1) Drinking Games Website Launches Despite Criticism

(2) Drinking games prove deadly to college kids

DrinkingGames, ME

Many states are moving ahead with regulations that would have ignition interlock devices installed in vehicles of people cited with DUIs. Lawmakers and law enforcement hope these devices will decrease the number of drunk drivers on the roads and save lives.

Wisconsin is just now proposing a law that would require anyone with an OWI to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car. The state has been known for its relaxed laws on drunk driving, but is working on getting tougher with its intoxicated drivers. The law would require interlocks, which prevent a car from starting if they detect alcohol on the driver’s breath, for even first time offenders.

Installing Interlock Devices

New York’s law went into effect in 2010, and it requires monitoring and supervision of offenders with the device in their car. To date, 14 states have laws that mandate ignition interlocks for first time offenders. Nebraska is one of those states. “I think the message is that no drinking and driving will be tolerated by the law. The legislature’s enacted stiff penalties to punish those people,” said Sarpy County, Nebraska Judge Jeffrey Funke. (1)

While these laws are making a difference because they put strict penalties on first time offenders, there are some concerns. The cost of carrying through with installing the interlocks and monitoring them can be a huge burden on states. Some states require the offender to cover the costs, which can be $75 to $100 per installation. In just one year, New York installed 5,775 devices, the cost of which adds up quickly.

Beating the System

The interlock devices are not fool proof. People find ways around them, get bystanders to blow into them, or they take a friend’s car. While there are stiff penalties for doing this, someone unwilling to change their ways will try them to see if they can get away with it. “What we want people to understand,” Omaha Police Sergeant Tony Gutierrez said, “is if you say, drive a friend’s car and you’re required to have an interlock device, and you drive a car without one, you could be charged with a Class IV felony.” (1)

Preventing Drunk Driving Deaths

Imposing stricter penalties on people the first time they get caught drinking and driving will hopefully get the message out that this is a serious offense. Unfortunately, many of the drunk drivers on the roads have multiple offenses. It is frustrating anytime a drunk driver kills someone in an accident, but even more so when it is their 5th or 6th offense. The laws may not have a huge impact on people who have been drinking and diving for a while, but the hope is that it will deter others from getting to that point. “I think the changes are necessary to address the problems sooner, to make a bigger impact right away,” said Gutierrez. “We’re hoping that we have safer drivers on the road. That’s the long-term goal. Time will tell if that’s what actually takes place.” (1)

Sources

(1) New DUI Laws In Effect January 1st

NYS To Reimburse Counties For Interlock Devices

Installers Expect More Business if Tougher Ignition Interlock Law Passes

It’s almost New Year’s Eve, the time of year that people get caught up with drinking to celebrate and welcome in a new year, then try to drive themselves home. This holiday is known for drinking, and authorities are working harder than ever this year to keep people from driving while intoxicated. “Safety is our focus year round at DOT. But this holiday season, we’re stepping up our efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads and reminding Americans ‘drive sober, or get pulled over,’” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We’re making gains in our fight against drunk driving, but we cannot and will not let up.” (1)

Decrease in Fatalities

The statistics are looking favorable. In a number of states, incidences of drunk driving have decreased in the past year. In fact, records show that 32 states have seen a decrease in drunk driving fatalities in 2011. Michigan is one of those states. “It’s not one particular thing,” Lynn Sutfin of the state police Office of Highway Safety Planning said. “It’s a combination of things. Some of it is due to a decrease in overall crash fatalities, some of it is due to people making smarter decisions; vehicles have better safety features and the roadways have improved.” (2)

Residents in Maryland are also happy to see a decrease in drunk driving. “There’s been basically a key change in attitude,” said Ragina Averella, a spokeswoman for AAA of the Mid-Atlantic. “I don’t think the public is willing to tolerate drunk driving anymore. They don’t see it as a social issue; they see it as a crime.” (3)

Working to Save Lives

However, there is still work to be done, because people are still going out and driving after they’ve been drinking. One person dies every 40 minutes because of drunk driving; a total of 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes last year. (1)

Especially at this time of year, there are going to be people drinking and driving. “The number of drunken driving incidents always spikes around holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July,” Sutfin said. “There are more people on the road and people are celebrating.” (2)

Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and local police and sheriff’s departments are cracking down this year on drunk drivers and working to educate more people. “Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement and safety advocates and the incredible commitment of organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, we are making real progress in reducing drunk driving deaths,” said Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator David Strickland. “Our message to drivers is clear: if you decide to drink, find a safe and sober ride home or you will be pulled over.” (1) Checkpoints, DUI task forces, and stiffer penalties are all tools being used by your local law enforcement to keep people safe this year.

Sources

(1) Police nationwide launch holiday DUI task force

(2) Many reasons for drunk driving crash drop in Mich.

(3) Cause for holiday cheer: Drunken-driving arrests down in Maryland

Many areas of Africa are going through some changes right now in their views of alcohol. Some countries are proposing to more strictly regulate the sale of alcohol, while others plan to put stiff regulations on alcohol advertising.

Analysis of World Health Organization

South Africa is concerned about violence that is directly caused by excessive drinking. To help combat this, South African officials have enlisted the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) to lay out a plan to regulate alcohol in the country. In their report entitled “Monitoring Alcohol Marketing for Africa – MAMPA”, the WHO agreed that “there is no time to waste, since the alcohol industry is already present in Africa on a large scale and is actively strengthening their position in the African market to increase the annual level of alcohol consumption in the continent”. (1) At the 2011 Second Biennial Substance Abuse Summit, delegates targeted a few areas that Africa can more closely regulate in order to decrease the harmful effects of alcohol. They looked at ways to restrict access to alcohol through regulating sales, marketing, taxation, and restrictions of the substance. 

Banning Alcohol Advertising

The result of this analysis by the WHO will be stricter laws for South Africans, greater penalties for underage drinking and for drinking and driving, and the ban of alcohol ads in certain arenas, such as in all sports, recreation, and arts and culture related events. Ads that are permitted in other venues must not imply that alcohol “can contribute to an individual’s popularity” or that it “is a key component of social success” or that it “is linked to daring, toughness, or aggression.” (1)

Closing Bars

Officials in Kenya are particularly afraid of the impact alcohol is having on their youth. They are moving ahead with bold steps to regulate alcohol consumption among their citizens. The government has announced that it will close at least 30% of all alcohol outlets across the country. Bars that are to be shut down include those near schools and hospitals. Those that are allowed to remain open will have to adhere to strict laws and pay levies toward governmental rehabilitation of alcoholics.

While many other countries throughout the world, including France, Norway, and the United States, have considered regulating the advertising of alcohol at specific events such as college sports, many people are concerned about the manner in which African countries are combating alcohol abuse. There is great concern that alcohol will be sold on the black market and that they will be driving those with an alcohol problem underground. Others are concerned about the number of jobs that will be lost with less advertising and fewer bars. The governments are certain about their plans, though. As Kenya’s Internal Security PS Francis Kimemia said, “The move is unstoppable and is aimed at reverting the drinking culture of death among the targeted youth so that they can embrace personal economic empowerment.” (2)

Sources

(1) Framing the alcohol advertising regulation debate

(2) State cracks the whip on alcoholism with closure of bars

South African ban on alcohol ads

As we head into the holidays, we need to recognize the challenge that alcoholics and recovering alcoholics face during this time. As we attend holiday parties (often focused on alcohol), endure stressful family gatherings, rush to finish up holiday shopping, eat too much, and sleep too little, there can be an overwhelming temptation to fill up on alcohol. 17.6 million people, which is equal to 1 in every 12 adults, have a problem with alcohol abuse or dependency. (1) That makes for a whole lot of people who ought to be concerned about their alcohol intake during the holidays. If you (or someone you know) have an alcohol problem, the following points can help you avoid the temptation to drink during the holidays.

Take Care of Yourself

Alcohol abuse and relapses in recovery can often be prevented if people would just focus on keeping themselves healthy. It starts with getting enough sleep, which is difficult when there is so much to do. Finding healthy ways to reduce stress will help us stay strong, including exercising, eating well, and getting help for any mental health issues. HALT is an acronym that is used at AA meetings, and it stands for hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness; personal needs that should to be taken care of in order to maintain health and strength to avoid alcohol.

Remember, You Are Not Alone

People who struggle with a drinking problem feel ashamed and embarrassed, and want to keep their problem a secret. But admitting that there is a problem and relying on the support of family and close friends can take a huge load off of a person’s shoulders. Don’t feel alone, because you are not. Confide in family or friends and ask them to help you in your endeavor to stay sober. Find someone who will avoid alcohol with you. Make use of local AA meetings and keep in regular contact with your sponsor. Do not isolate yourself in the hopes of staying sober, because loneliness often leads people to drink.

Start New Traditions

It may not only be necessary to surround yourself with positive influences, but also with positive activities. If you are the kind of person who usually celebrates Christmas by boozing it up with old buddies or getting drunk at family gatherings, change your habits. Instead, volunteer at a local charity, or get together with people you’ve met through AA. Don’t put yourself in a position to fail by sticking with old traditions that involve drinking. Sometimes when we want something difficult like sobriety, we need to sacrifice the old practices that would jeopardize it.

Sources

(1) Bah HumBug! Gettin’ thru the Holidays

Avoiding alcohol problems during the holidays

Recovering alcoholics face challenges during holidays

Today is known as Black Wednesday, one of the busiest drinking days of the year for young people. This makes for dangerous situations because of drunken driving and binge drinking, and authorities are urging young people – and their parents – to be responsible.

Promoting Black Wednesday

We all know about the great shopping deals on Black Friday, the Shop Small Day on Saturday, and the online deals on Cyber Monday, but among young people a new day is emerging: Black Wednesday. This is the day that many young people drink, rivaling even New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day. Naming it Black Wednesday gives this day a menacing feel;  the day’s drinking often results in people blacking out or getting into serious car crashes.

Still, every year this unofficial celebration before Thanksgiving continues to grow, and local establishments across the country are now capitalizing on it. They offer drink specials named for the day, and they bring in extra staff and more promotions to get young people in the doors. What bars don’t acknowledge is that they are not only promoting things like underage drinking and binge drinking, but lives are in danger because of the heavy focus on drinking.

Partying With Friends

The night before Thanksgiving is such a big drinking night for young people because many are home from school, they don’t have to work the next day, and they have the opportunity to get together with friends they don’t see very often. Many young people, home from college for the holiday weekend, go out on Black Wednesday to catch up with friends before all the family get-togethers the next day.

It’s often the young people who have been away at college or on their own for a short time who are drinking on Black Wednesday, and many of them are still underage. Parents are urged to keep an eye on their young adult and help them learn the importance of responsible drinking.  “We want to encourage parents to talk to young adults and underage teens about the risks involved in providing and consuming alcohol underage,” states Midwestern Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald. “We want a safe, happy holiday season for everyone.” (1)

Responsibility of the Parents

Some parents allow their underage child to drink alcohol during the holidays, adding even more drinkers to the dangerous mix. “Holidays, in general, tend to provide more of an opportunity for minors to drink because it’s more accessible and available to them,” said Lisa Hutcheson, director of the nonprofit Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. “There are some young people who say they go from garage to garage and get a few bottles and no one notices.” (2)

Young people need to understand the dangers of underage drinking, binge drinking, and of drinking and driving. Parents can help teach their children the importance of responsible drinking, and the holidays provide a great opportunity to do just that.

Sources

(1) Sheriff’s advisory: Heaviest teen alcohol use day before Thanksgiving

(2) Alcohol puts students at risk on ‘Black Wednesday’

Bars, students gear up for ‘Black Wednesday’

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and with it comes the start of the busy holiday season. The next month and a half will be filled with shopping, family get togethers, and work parties. The combination of stress and opportunity often means that people struggle with consuming too much alcohol during this time of year. This year, let’s work on staying in control of our drinking habits.

Making Work Parties More Exciting

Holiday work parties can be awkward and boring, and to lighten things up, people often take advantage of the free alcohol that is so often served at these parties. While alcohol abuse can lead to drunken driving, accidental injuries, and even alcoholism, there are more reasons why you might think twice before drinking too much at a work party this year.

A national survey sponsored by Caron Treatment Centers found that more than half (52%) of employees who have attended work related get togethers observed a co-worker acting inappropriately after consuming too much alcohol. These people flirted with co-workers or supervisors, shared inappropriate details about themselves to others, became aggressive toward colleagues or supervisors, and engaged in sexual activity with co-workers. (1)

Consequences of Drinking at Work Parties

If a person loses control and alcohol impairs their judgment in front of co-workers and their boss, there are likely going to be consequences. Depending on the job, policies, and the kindness of the boss, employees who get drunk and hit on a co-worker, drive away drunk, or do something else inappropriate, may face repercussions at work. “We are living in stressful times and many people turn to alcohol at parties to reduce anxiety and escape their daily pressures,” said Harris Stratyner, PhD, a leading addiction psychologist and Regional Clinical Vice President at Caron’s New York office. “Unfortunately, many people struggle to manage the amount of alcohol they consume and put themselves into compromising situations that could permanently damage their reputation.” (1)

No Secrets in the Workplace

We’re in a new age now, one where there are no secrets, and gossiping at the water cooler is not necessary for word to get around. Today, we have Facebook and other social media sites that people freely use to post uncomplimentary pictures for the world to see. News of an employee’s lack of judgment may be public knowledge even before Monday morning rolls around. “Many people use social networking sites to document their lives in real-time, including work events,” said Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, PhD. “A one-time mistake that might have been witnessed by a few and quickly forgotten can now have substantially more consequences because a person’s behavior can be recorded and shared with others and relived with the click of a button. In a time when job security is more vulnerable than ever – I would encourage individuals to seek help for a drinking problem before their reputation is irrevocably damaged.”  (1) 

The message here is to be careful. Of course, alcohol abuse in itself is dangerous and leads to some serious consequences, but many people also fail to consider the implications it may have on their career. The holidays should be a time to celebrate and be merry, but they don’t need to be a time to lose control. 

Sources

(1) Drinking With Colleagues Over the Holidays Can Permanently Damage Your Reputation

Why The Office Holiday Party Can Lead to Big Trouble

Planning Office Holiday Parties Without Lawsuits