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Background: Youth alcohol use and misuse lead to adverse outcomes. However, the literature has not always associated complete abstinence with better health. Since recent literature indicates an increased proportion of young abstainers, the aim of this paper is to review the studies investigating this upward trend and the factors associated with it, such as socio-demographics, school performance, social life, physical and mental health, and parental influence. Methods: Different databases were searched and appropriated terms were used. Given that the trend has only emerged in recent years, the review was limited to papers published since 2000. A total of 970 papers were returned and 10 were retained for the present review. Results: All papers covered by the review acknowledge the existence of a new significant trend resulting in more young people in developed countries who are choosing to abstain completely from drinking alcohol. They are in good physical and mental health and perform better at school than their drinking peers. The quality of their social life, albeit slightly more limited than that of their drinking peers, appeared to be good. Conclusion: Young alcohol abstainers represent a group situated at the beginning of a continuum of alcohol consumption, they do well and are not very different from light drinkers. Alcohol abstinence at young age does not seem to have any downsides and should therefore be generally advised. To further promote such behavior, measures to encourage parental monitoring and more generous public expenditure on health services and family benefits should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary discusses a recently published literature review focussing on the growing trend of young people abstaining from drinking alcohol. Despite the recent increase in research on the decline in youth drinking, the review only identified 10 papers that explicitly examined abstainers. The inclusion criteria used thus excluded and overlooked the vast literature available on the decline in youth drinking. This commentary discusses the implications of this and raises the issue of how the adolescent abstainer should be viewed in research; is it a distinct social phenomenon with unique determinants or are abstainers merely the flip side of drinkers? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: As most substance use prevention programs are offered at school, it is important to explore which group of students might be at increased risk. Both researchers and educators have often maintained that students with special educational needs due to emotional and behavioral disorders (SENs-EBD) are particularly vulnerable. Hence, the aim of the current systematic review was to examine the alcohol and cannabis use by students with SENs-EBD in comparison to students without SENs or other types of SENs. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, the review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023375799) and search terms were entered in Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and PubMed in December 2022. Publications were required to report on empirical quantitative studies (primary data) that assessed alcohol and/or cannabis use by adolescent students with SENs-EBD and a comparison group, and be published in English-language journal articles, conference papers, or book chapters from 2000 onwards. The QuADS tool was used for quality assessment. Results: Based on these criteria, six articles (sample sizes N = 61 to N = 122,180) were included for the thematic narrative synthesis. The studies revealed that the percentage of students with SENs-EBD consuming alcohol and cannabis was higher compared to students who did not have SENs or attended mainstream schools. Conclusion: The small number of heterogeneous studies, with limitations concerning the sample size, missing effect sizes, and influence of control variables, demonstrates the need for more research. The systematic review provides guidance for such future research endeavors, as well as preliminary notions for practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the past two decades of cannabis legalization, the prevalence of medical cannabis (MC) use has increased and there has also been an upward trend in alcohol consumption. As less restricted cannabis laws generate more adult cannabis users, there is concern that more individuals may be simultaneously using medical cannabis with alcohol. A few studies have examined simultaneous use of medical cannabis with alcohol, but none of those studies also assessed patients' current or previous non-medical cannabis use. This paper explores simultaneous alcohol and medical cannabis use among medical cannabis patients with a specific focus on previous history of cannabis use and current non-medical cannabis use. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of MC patients (N = 319) from four dispensaries located in New York. Bivariate chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression are used to estimate the extent to which sociodemographic and other factors were associated with simultaneous use. Results: Approximately 29% of the sample engaged in simultaneous use and a large share of these users report previous (44%) or current (66%) use of cannabis for non-medical purposes. MC patients who either previously or currently use cannabis non-medicinally, men, and patients using MC to treat a pain-related condition, were significantly more likely to report simultaneous alcohol/MC use. Conclusions: Findings indicate that there may be differential risks related to alcohol/MC use, which should be considered by cannabis regulatory policies and prevention/treatment programs. If patients are using cannabis and/or alcohol to manage pain, clinicians should screen for both alcohol and cannabis use risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New students arrive at university with pre-determined perceptions around how alcohol can be used as a tool to overcome anxieties and secure new friendships, which in turn influences students' drinking behaviors. From a health promotion perspective, the transition to university may present a unique yet understudied opportunity to challenge and reframe situated drinking norms. This paper explores prospective university students' perceptions of the role that alcohol plays at university and the influence that these perceptions have on behavior. Focus groups with 46 prospective university students (aged 16-20 years) recruited from colleges and sixth forms in the North West of England. Through various sources of information, new students arrive at university with pre-conceived perceptions of a heavy student drinking culture and knowledge around how alcohol can be used to aid successful integration with new peers. Alcohol was viewed by new students as a social lubricant which is key to accruing social capital. Cultural presentations of the student drinker identity led prospective students to formulate negative connotations of those students who transgress from the norms of drinking. The findings provide new insights into how young people conceptualize alcohol at university and the impact that these perceptions have on shaping ideology and influencing drinking behavior. Breaking down these norms presents real challenges for those trying to address excessive drinking in universities, therefore, early intervention which challenges, re-frames and modifies perceptions before students arrive on campus may help to reduce the pressure and expectations to drink in social situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: A growing body of evidence suggests that people who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol are more likely to screen positive for psychiatric disorders than the general population. Additionally, psychiatric comorbidity has been shown to increase vulnerability to criminal re-offense. However, DUI programs face many barriers to screening for psychiatric disorders. This paper evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of a screening tool developed for these programs, the Computerized Assessment and Referral System (CARS) Screener. Methods: We used data from 381 DUI offenders in Massachusetts, as well as a secondary data source, the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R: N = 9,282) to examine the accuracy of the CARS Screener when compared to full assessment. Results: Based on both sets of analyses, we found that the CARS Screener offers a sensitive and specific method to screen for many psychiatric disorders. Specifically, the CARS Screener has a high sensitivity and specificity for bipolar disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol and drug use disorders, gambling disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and social phobia. Conclusion: The CARS Screener appears to be an effective tool that will help DUI programs better understand and address the mental health issues facing their clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College student drinking in on-premises establishments has been associated with heavy alcohol consumption and a range of problems including assault, fighting, risky sex, and drinking and driving. Although more strictly enforcing overservice laws might reduce heavy drinking in on-premises establishments, law enforcement agencies have few resource-efficient tools for doing so, resulting in these laws seldom being enforced. In this paper, we report the results of an evaluation of the Stop Service to Obviously-impaired Patrons (S-STOP) program that was implemented in 303 bars and restaurants in 18 university communities in California using a randomized cross-over design (early vs. delayed implementation). The S-STOP program: (a) deployed pseudo-intoxicated patrons who attempted to purchase a drink when showing obvious signs of intoxication; (b) provided feedback to owners and managers on staff performance; and (c) offered free online refresher training for staff. Overall, alcohol servers in bars and restaurants in these college communities were willing to serve a pseudo-intoxicated mystery shopper 90% of the time. The study found no evidence that S-STOP reduced the prevalence of alcohol sales to apparently impaired patrons during the two intervention stages of the study. The findings highlight the need for developing effective interventions to prevent overservice and should prompt college and university leaders to take the lead in addressing the problem of alcohol overservice at on-premises establishments by working with community leaders, law enforcement, and retailers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) adolescents have a higher prevalence of commercial tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use than other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. It is unclear whether cultural factors such as ethnic identity, spirituality, and ceremonial use of traditional tobacco are associated with substance use, especially use of emerging tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, among AIAN adolescents. Methods. This study investigated the association between hypothesized cultural protective factors (ethnic identity, spirituality, and ceremonial use of traditional tobacco) and past-month use of commercial cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, blunts, and alcohol among 156 AIAN adolescents in California (mean age = 15.3 years, 55% female). Adolescents from six AIAN schools and afterschool programs completed paper-and-pencil surveys. We used Logistic regression analyses to identify the significant cultural correlates of past-month substance use, controlling for demographic covariates. Results. As hypothesized, strong ethnic identity was protective against cigarette, marijuana, and alcohol use. However, it was not protective against e-cigarette or blunt use. Spirituality was associated with an increased risk of cigarette and marijuana use. Previous ceremonial use of traditional tobacco was not associated with past-month recreational substance use. Conclusions. Results indicate that the associations between cultural factors and substance use vary across substances. Future research should identify cultural factors that protect AIAN adolescents against use of newer products such as e-cigarettes and blunts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature has opposing views regarding the magnitude of the association between substance use and TBI. Most studies have examined clinical samples which are not representative of the entire head injured population. Clinical samples provide very limited insight into TBI patients whom do not seek care. Objectives: This paper examines the associations between TBI and substance use/misuse. Its primary aim is to test whether or not individuals with a past-year TBI have higher rates of substance use/misuse than Canadians without a TBI or back and/or spine injury controls drawing on self-report population level data. Methods: Using the 2009-2010 Canadian Community Health Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of Canadians 12 years and older, this paper assessed substance use (i.e., illicit drug use; drinking and binge drinking; current smoking) among those with a TBI, as compared to two control groups: (1) individuals with a back or spinal injury (BSI); and (2) healthy noninjured controls. Multivariate regressions (logistic and multinomial), both unadjusted and adjusting for a range of injury and sociodemographic covariates, were used in hypothesis testing. Results: Those with a past-year TBI demonstrated significantly elevated rates of illicit drug use relative to non-injured Canadians. Relative to the BSI group those with a TBI were less likely to drink alcohol, did not differ in binge drinking, cigarette smoking and illicit drug use. Conclusion: Health care professionals working with the TBI population should integrate screening, brief intervention, and referral programming as a means to reduce future harm related to substance misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The paper identifies the central theoretical components for developing a typology of alcohol use with other substances. The settings and functions related to the simultaneous use of alcohol with marijuana or cocaine are examined using a dataset from a study of treatment clients in Ontario, Canada (data collected between the years 2003 and 2005). Methods: A cross-sectional design was used where patients 18 years or older completed a self-administered questionnaire upon admission to various treatment programs. Clients who reported using marijuana (n = 499) or cocaine (n = 375) in the past year were asked how often they use these substances in combination with alcohol. Findings: Simultaneous use is very common among treatment clients, with differences in the settings and functions associated with alcohol used in combination with cocaine or marijuana, and by various sociodemographic characteristics. The study's limitations are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drunk driving is one of the more serious negative consequences of alcohol consumption. Since consumption of alcohol is sensitive to the price of alcohol, and the occurrence of drunk driving is sensitive to the level of alcohol consumption, the possibility exists for alcohol pricing policie to be used to reduce drunk driving in the population. This paper reviews the evidence on this possibility in the literature and adds results based on data from the Canadian province of Ontario. Multiple regression analysis of time series data for Ontario from 1972 to 1990 indicate that, controlling for income, the proportion of young males in the population, changes in the minimum drinking age, and other confounding variables, increasing the price of alcohol has a significant effect in reducing alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents (elasticity = -1.2, p < .05) and alcohol-related traffic offenses (elasticity = -0.50, p < .05). Overall, the evidence strongly supports the view that alcohol tax and pricing policies can be used to reduce the extent of drunk driving. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.] An earlier version of this paper was presented at the North American Conference on Alcohol and Traffic Safety, Quebec, Canada, 1993, and the Conference on Health and Behaviour, Ontario, Canada, 1994. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Theory of mind concerns the sociocognitive ability to infer others' thoughts. It has been theorized to be impaired in substance use and abuse, as its alterations might explain negative social and interpersonal outcomes noted in the course of disorders. In addition, the brain structures involved in Theory of Mind (ToM) have been found to be disrupted in drug use conditions. Objective: We undertook a systematic review of ToM functioning in drug use conditions. Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase) were searched to find studies that have addressed ToM and conditions related to actual or previous drug use. Results: The search found 147 papers, of which 14 fulfilled our review eligibility criteria. Different methods were used, but overall, results indicated that drugs are related to ToM deficits, particularly related to alcohol and amphetamines use. These impairments correlate with other clinical and cognitive functions. Conclusion: Despite the lack of studies and the methodological limitations of the existing ones Theory of Mind seems to play a role in drug use conditions, which requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses changing views about gender and drinking in Sweden c. 1830-1922. The author posits that the emergence of bourgeois morals in the 19th century were associated with a decline in the tolerance for female alcohol consumption, and also shows how the values, norms, and activities of the temperance movement interconnected with religion and notions of purity. Yet, in spite of hardening attitudes against women's drinking, alcohol remained integral in Swedish upper-class women's lives. The results are based on a qualitative study of Swedish women's diaries. The study was financed by the Swedish Research Council, 2009-2012. Study limitations are also noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates young women's alcohol consumption in the United Kingdom within a widespread culture of intoxication in relation to recent debates about postfeminism and contemporary femininity. Young women are faced with an 'impossible dilemma,' arising from the contradiction between a hedonistic discourse of alcohol consumption and postfeminist discourse around attaining and maintaining the 'right' form of hypersexual heterosexual femininity. Drawing on a recent interview study with 24 young white working-class and middle-class women in the South-West of England, we explore how young women inhabit the dilemmas of contemporary femininity in youth drinking cultures, striving to achieve the 'right' form of hypersexual femininity and an 'optimum' level of drunkenness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol disproportionately affects socially disadvantaged groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Methods to assess alcohol intake for disadvantaged communities need to be able to capture variable or episodic drinking. The ability of a seven-day diary to capture typical consumption for a predominantly Aboriginal sample has not been assessed. Objective: One aim of this paper was to examine agreement between a seven-day retrospective diary and 'usual' drinking assessed by a modified version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test question 3 (AUDIT-3m; two questions). Other aims were to describe drinking patterns as reported in the seven-day diary. Method: In 2012, consecutive adults attending an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service completed a cross-sectional health risk survey on a touch screen laptop ( n = 188). Alcohol consumption questions included the retrospective diary and AUDIT-3m. Agreement was assessed using weighted kappa analysis. Results: There was good agreement between the two measures of consumption; however, the AUDIT-3m questions identified more current drinkers. Respondents who were drinkers (54%) tended to consume large amounts per drinking occasion: almost half (46%) of diary completers reported nine or more standard drinks on at least one occasion in the last week. Conclusions: The seven-day diary did not adequately capture variability in alcohol consumption common among this sample. Although the AUDIT-3m appeared acceptable, alternative approaches to assess usual or risky alcohol consumption, such as asking about specific drinking occasions, or allowing participants to respond in non-standard drink sizes, also need to be considered for indigenous and other disadvantaged communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol use and misuse is widespread among university students in many countries. Specific cultural factors may impact alcohol use after entering university. Objective: This paper considers changes in alcohol use among first year university students in Mexico. Methods: A qualitative study using ethnographic interviews with 57 female and 60 male student drinkers in Mexico City from March to June 2011. Each interview was evaluated by a set of thematic codes developed inductively from the interviews. Findings from excessive, heavy, regular, occasional drinkers, abstainers, and non-drinkers were analyzed to explore whether or not linkages existed between and/or among particular themes. Results: Students reported factors associated with changes in role and status, friendships, and increased autonomy as reasons for increasing or decreasing their alcohol use after entering university. Conclusions/Importance: Understanding the influence of Mexican cultural norms on alcohol use among Mexican and Mexican Americans can be helpful in informing studies and preventive efforts among both Mexican and Mexican American young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United Kingdom, between 1960 and the 2000s, there were many sociodemographic and economic factors that played a part in the changing picture of alcohol consumption and its related harm. This paper describes some of these variables along with the political measures that were identified as correlated with changes in consumption and harm. The resulting picture is unclear. No consistent pattern was identified among the variables analyzed. Beverage choice changed over time with a reduction in beer consumption and an increase in wines and spirits. Nevertheless, the overall picture showed an increase in total alcohol consumption and resulting harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been increasing concern about youthful 'binge' drinking and intoxication. Yet the meaning of intoxication remains under-theorized. This paper examines intoxication in a young adult nightlife scene, using data from a 2005-2008 National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded project on Asian American youth and nightlife. Analyzing in-depth qualitative interview data with 250 Asian American young adults in the San Francisco area, we examine their narratives about alcohol intoxication with respect to sociability, stress, and fun, and their navigation of the fine line between being 'buzzed' and being 'wasted.' Finally, limitations of the study and directions for future research are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Substance Use & Misuse is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Alcohol, tobacco, prescription drug, and illicit drug use frequently co-occur. This paper reviews the extent of this co-occurrence in both general population samples and clinical samples, and its impact on treatment outcome. We argue that the research base for understanding comorbidity among tobacco, alcohol, prescription, and illicit drugs needs to be broadened. We specifically advocate for: (1) more epidemiological studies of relationships among alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drug use; and (2) increased research on treatment options that address the problematic use of all of these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Substance Use & Misuse is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Substance Use & Misuse is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Information about several papers discussed on the symposium on community-based prevention of alcohol-and drug-related problems is presented. It highlights the consideration of contextual issues and community projects that influence the broader policy on prevention approaches. Researchers are challenged to apply the approaches and effective programs suitable to the cultural context in different countries.

During the past twenty years, various instruments have been developed for the assessment of substance use in adolescents, mainly in the United States. However, few of them have been adapted to, and validated in, French-speaking populations. Consequently, although increasing alcohol and drug use among teenagers has become a major concern, the various health and social programs developed in response to this specific problem have received little attention with regard to follow-up and outcome assessment. A standardized multidimensional assessment instrument adapted for adolescents is needed to assess the individual needs of adolescents and assign them to the most appropriate treatment setting, to provide a single measurement within and across health and social systems, and to conduct treatment outcome evaluations. Moreover, having an available instrument makes it possible to develop longitudinal and transcultural research studies. For this reason, a French version of the Adolescent Drug Abuse Diagnosis (ADAD) was developed and validated at the University Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic in Lausanne, Switzerland. This paper aims to discuss the methodological issues that we faced when using the ADAD instrument in a 4-year longitudinal study including adolescent substance users. Methodological aspects relating to the content and format of the instrument, the assessment administration and the statistical analyses are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, the relationship between culture and substance use has been explored in two ways. Firstly, high rates of substance use and related problems amongst indigenous and migrant populations generated interest in genetics and cultural susceptibility. Acculturation-strain type theories suggested the stress of culture-change increased the risk of substance use and related harm. Secondly, there has been an increasing emphasis on taking account of the diversity of social, psychological, and cultural factors in the assessment and treatment of alcohol- and drug-use-associated problems. Utilization of ethnocultural factors as a means to promote recovery from alcohol- and drug-use-associated problems is a feature of culturally congruent interventions. Mäori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and this paper outlines the background to the increasing inclusion of customary Mäori values, beliefs, and practices in interventions in the development of culturally congruent programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of interventions, both therapeutic and preventive, have been used to control, reduce or eliminate substance use and misuse and their attendant problems. Yet, despite years of ever more sophisticated and expensive ways of responding to the use and misuse of a variety of legal and illegal substances, addiction continues to be experienced as a major social problem that plagues users, their families and communities, therapists and clinicians, policymakers, and the public. In view of a recidivist treatment population and finite resources, this paper considers whether and to what extent treatments and other interventions used for planned interventions with alcohol- and drug-use related problems work. It examines both clinical treatment outcomes and broad-based population prevention interventions, and reviews their underlying rationales. Finally, it identifies a number of areas that must be addressed if we are to improve the situation. These areas include a lack of agreement on what is meant by the problem of “addictions,” how successful interventions are to be defined and measured so that better interventions can be applied in the future, as well as integrating the processes of quality and appropriateness into the planning, implementation and assessment of effective, needed substance use intervention. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nighttime entertainment districts attract many people who pre-load with alcohol and other substances before entering licensed venues. Despite the harms and dangers associated with both alcohol pre-loading and drug use respectively, there is a paucity of research on drug and polysubstance pre-loading. Objectives: The primary objectives of this scoping review are to systematically map out the body of existing literature on drug and polysubstance pre-loading, discuss methodological potentials and pitfalls in field-based research, identify gaps in knowledge, and derive practical implications and opportunities for future research. Methods: Using the PRISMA (ScR) guidelines, we conducted a search of Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science databases. We followed this up by conducting an author and citation analysis of relevant articles. Results: Of the 632 data sources identified, 338 articles were reviewed after removing duplicates. Overall, only nine articles were included and thematically analyzed. In our review and analysis of the literature, we find people who drug pre-load to be a particularly vulnerable subset of the population. We also posit that the point-of-entry design has greater sensitivity than the commonly used portal-in design. From this, we also draw attention to various time points where field-based researchers can provide intervention. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of young adults engaging in the behavior, clinicians should consider pre-loading behaviors when assessing for risk and vulnerability. Field-based research would elucidate the full breadth and scope of the growing pre-loading phenomenon and the dangers associated with this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research is needed on how substance use patterns develop over time in the general adolescent population. This knowledge is crucial in calibrating prevention and other interventions. Method: The study concerns use of cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis in a nationally representative cohort of Swedish adolescents (n = 3999). Two waves (9th and 11th school grade) from the Futura01 study were analyzed using latent transition analysis (LTA) and multinomial regression analysis. Results: Four substance use patterns, were identified, ranging from Non-user, Alcohol experienced, Alcohol User to Co-user of cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis. Statuses thus conveyed a continuum from no use to more advanced use. Half of the individuals remained in their original status between time-points, and half transitioned, most often one step on the continuum. Alcohol user was the most stable status over time (0.78), and the Non-user status the least (0.36). The probability of remaining in the Alcohol experienced status was 0.57, and 0.45 for the Co-user status. There was a low probability of transitioning from alcohol to cannabis use. Females were more likely to belong to Alcohol experienced and males to Co-user statuses, but these associations weakened over time. Conclusions: The study identified transitions across substance use statuses between time-points. These usually concerned different levels of alcohol use, and not into more advanced substance use that included the illegal substance cannabis. The study corroborates that young Swedes belong to a "sober" generation and usually do not transition from legal into illegal substance use during late adolescence, though with some gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use (SU) is associated with physical injury and mental health disorders in older persons, but recent research has scarcely examined SU in U.S. Vietnam-era veterans who are mostly in or near their eighth decade of life. Objectives: We compared the prevalence of self-reported lifetime and current SU and modeled current usage patterns in a nationally representative sample of veterans versus a matched nonveteran cohort. Methods: Cross-sectional, self-reported survey data were analyzed from the 2016–2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) (n = 18,866 veterans, n = 4,530 nonveterans). We assessed lifetime and current alcohol and drug use disorders; lifetime and current use of cannabis, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, "other drugs" (psychedelics, prescription or over-the-counter drugs not prescribed/used as intended); and current SU patterns (alcohol-use-only, drug-use-only, dual-SU, no SU). Weighted descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable statistics were calculated. Covariates in multinomial modeling included sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime cigarette smoking, depression, potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and current pain (SF-8TM). Results: Prevalence of lifetime opioid and sedative use (p ≤.01), drug and alcohol use disorders (p <.001), and current "other drug" use (p <.001) were higher in veterans versus nonveterans. Current use of alcohol and cannabis was high in both cohorts. In veterans, very severe/severe pain, depression, and PTEs were highly associated with drug-use-only (p <.001) and dual-SU (p <.01), but these associations were fewer for nonveterans. Conclusion: This research confirmed existing concerns over substance misuse in older individuals. Vietnam-era veterans may be at particular risk due to service-related experiences and later-life tribulations. Era veterans' unique perceptions toward healthcare assistance for SU may need greater provider focus to maximize self-efficacy and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of alcohol expectancies and evaluations (i.e., perceived outcomes of drinking and whether these outcomes are desirable) in alcohol-related intimate partner aggression (IPA) has been debated, with some researchers arguing that expectancies fully account for the alcohol-IPA relationship and others suggesting they play a minimal if any role in alcohol-related IPA. In the current study, we examine the impact of expectancies and evaluations on alcohol-related IPA observed in the lab, in order to clarify what impact, if any, alcohol expectancies have on alcohol-related IPA. Consistent with findings from laboratory studies examining general aggression, we expected that individuals who were intoxicated would display greater IPA than individuals who were sober, but that alcohol expectancies and evaluations would be unrelated to in vivo IPA. Method: Participants were 69 dating couples (total N = 138), randomly assigned to consume either an alcohol or placebo beverage. IPA was measured with an in vivo aggression task based on the Taylor Aggression Paradigm. Results: As expected, alcohol intoxication predicted in vivo IPA following provocation (p <.03), whereas alcohol expectancies and evaluations were not related to IPA. Conclusions: These findings provide further support that alcohol expectancies and evaluations play little if any role in alcohol-related IPA. Rather, intoxication likely increases risk for IPA through its physiological effects on perception and thought. Further, treatments targeting alcohol use, rather than beliefs about outcomes of drinking, may have a greater impact on alcohol-related IPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Personal values motivate action and have been shown to influence behavioral choices. Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify which values are important to college student drinkers and what underlying principles and motivations support those values. A sample of 198 students who received a university mandate to complete an alcohol education intervention following a campus alcohol policy violation wrote essays regarding their values. These essays were categorized and thematically analyzed by the research team. Results: The majority of values fell under the category of Relationships, followed by Morality, Future Orientation, Wellness, and Benevolence. Conclusions: Most students placed a high value on their commitment to others, which may provide insight into effective and novel ways in which health messages could be communicated to college students. Additionally, findings show a relative lack of future-oriented values, particularly among the heavy-drinking students. Because future orientation is associated with engaging in less risky health behaviors, results suggest it may be beneficial to cultivate goal setting tasks early in college student education to enhance the efficacy of health promotion messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the growing number of fatalities associated with the use of multiple types of drugs, there is an urgent need for a tool that allows clinicians and researchers to quickly assess diverse reasons for substance use. Here, we sought to validate the Motivational Inventory Underlying Substance Engagement (MI-USE), a new measure that assesses motivations for use across different types of substances. Participants were 538 adults ages 18-60 (48% women) who reported substance use problems and past-year drug or alcohol use. Analyses were conducted to discover and validate the factor structure of the MI-USE and evaluate its construct validity. A 30-item model best fit the MI-USE, with one General Factor capturing overall motivation to engage in substance use and eight motive-specific factors that indexed unique motivations for substance use: Emotional Coping (relief from unpleasant emotions), Pleasure-Seeking (feel pleasurable or exciting emotions and sensations), Dependence Severity (avoid withdrawal and cravings), Expansion (enhance self-insight and spirituality), Social Coping (increase confidence and attractiveness), Advantage (gain a physical or mental advantage), Physical Coping (relief from unpleasant bodily sensations), and Sleep (mitigate sleep problems). Evaluation of the measure's construct validity and internal consistency support the chosen model and interpretation of the motive-specific factors. Results provide initial validation of the MI-USE as a reliable and valid tool for assessing diverse substance use motivations. It improves upon existing measures by allowing clinicians and researchers to simultaneously evaluate motivations for multiple forms of substance use, which facilitates personalized treatment planning and research on polysubstance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is one of the leading contributors to the disease burden among young people. Drinking motives are one of the strongest factors influencing drinking behaviors among youth, yet we know little about reasons for why young people do not drink. The aim of the present study is to examine reasons for not drinking in a nationally representative sample of Swedish youth. Data from a survey of a nationally representative sample of students in year 9 (15-16 years old) was used. Data was collected in 2017 and the total sample comprise 5549 respondents. Ten items measured reasons not to drink alcohol. Comparisons were made between drinkers and nondrinkers in endorsement of the reasons for not drinking. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to examine the relative importance of the different reasons. That alcohol is bad for health and parents disapproval of drinking was the most commonly endorsed reasons both among drinkers and nondrinkers. The multivariable analysis showed that the strongest association with being a nondrinker was found for "Alcohol tastes horrible" (OR 2.995), "I have religious reasons for not drinking" (OR 2.775), "People who drink lose control in an unpleasant way" (OR 2.460) and "Drinking is too likely to lead to serious accidents" (OR 2.458). Harm avoidance and religious reasons are the most important reasons not to drink among Swedish youth. Future research should examine how different reasons predict abstinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College life is characterized by marked increases in alcohol consumption. Extraversion and neuroticism are associated with alcohol use problems in college and throughout adulthood, each with alcohol use patterns consistent with an externalizing and internalizing pathway respectively. Students higher in extraversion drink more frequently and consume more alcohol, while neuroticism is paradoxically not consistently associated with elevated alcohol use. This study examined whether students higher in neuroticism may drink the day before stressors, namely tests and assignment deadlines. Multilevel generalized linear models were performed using data from a longitudinal study of first-time, first-year undergraduates assessing alcohol use across four years of college, with daily diary bursts each semester. Students higher in extraversion had heavier alcohol use and greater alcohol use problems in their fourth year of college. Neuroticism was not associated with drinking behaviors or with drinking before a test or assignment, but was associated with greater fourth year alcohol problems. Students lower in extraversion who reduced heavy drinking the day before academic events had fewer alcohol use problems at the fourth year of college relative to students higher in extraversion. Students higher in extraversion appear to exhibit a continuity of established alcohol use patterns from adolescence, predisposing them to a more hazardous trajectory of college alcohol use. Characteristics of low extraversion may afford some protection from alcohol-positive college culture. High neuroticism appears associated with a hazardous trajectory of college alcohol use, but continued research into situational factors of alcohol use in high neuroticism is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundGauging the feasibility of using Amazon Mechanical Turk ® (MTurk) for various types of substance use research is precluded by a lack of information pertaining to the recruitment process in published studies utilizing it and concurrent information on data quality. ObjectiveThe present report addressed this gap by documenting the prevalence of alcohol and nicotine use, self-reported major health conditions, and information on data quality and retention on MTurk. Individuals 21 to 90 years old (N = 1101, Mdn age = 30) with United States-based MTurk accounts completed a stand-alone screening survey. The screening consisted of basic demographic, substance use, and physical/mental health questions, as well as items to gauge language proficiency/attention (i.e., data quality). ResultsPoor quality data was infrequent (6.5% of participants) and associated with self-reported non-United States residence, affirmative responding (e.g., currently pregnant, using both alcohol and nicotine), and other response characteristics (e.g., not disclosing health conditions). Among those passing quality checks, alcohol and nicotine use were relatively common (71.5% and 24.8%). Major physical (6.3%) and mental health conditions (14.8%) were less common. Despite not sending direct invitations, most eligible participants returned to and completed the main study (81.7%). Conclusions/Importance: Alcohol and nicotine use were relatively common among MTurk workers and retention rates were high. Together with the low prevalence of poor quality data, MTurk appears to remain a fruitful platform for substance use research; although researchers must be diligent in using appropriate screening tools, as substance use was sometimes associated with poor data quality and MTurk account information may not be reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Brief Intervention (BI) has proven to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy in high income countries, there is no evidence from the Southern Cone of America. Thus, we conducted a study to assess BI efficacy among Argentinean pregnant women. We collected data on pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the public health system in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Women with less than 26 weeks of gestation (n = 486) were randomized to brief advice (BA) or BI. Three months later they were re-assessed; women with more than 26 weeks of gestation constituted a screening only control group (SC) (n = 154). Self-reported quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, frequency of binge drinking, and related problems after three months were used as outcomes. We performed generalized estimating equations and clinical significance analyses. Also, we obtained newborn health indicators from the city's health system database to use as objective outcomes. Women who did not participate in any of the three former conditions were randomly selected to constitute a non-screening control group (NSC) (n = 150). We compared objective outcomes among BI, BA, and NSC groups using the Wilcoxon rank test. In comparison with SC, BI and BA reduced alcohol consumption, without differences between the latter two. Newborns of women who received BI and BA had better health indicators compared with the NSC group. performing either a BI or BA reduces alcohol consumption among Argentinean pregnant women and might lead to healthier newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of the present study is to characterize the relevance of withdrawal symptoms during the first 12 months of abstinence and their relation to anhedonia and craving. Methods: 102 detoxified subjects meeting clinical criteria for Alcohol Dependence in Remission were recruited at various time since the detoxification and subdivided into four groups according to the length of abstinence (group 1: 15-30 days; group 2: 30-90 days; group 3: 90-180 days; group 4: 180-360). Withdrawal symptomatology was assessed through the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for craving, the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and the Subscale for Anhedonia in the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANSanh) where the other instruments employed. Results: Both anhedonia and withdrawal symptoms were identified in all the groups considered. SHAPS score and VAS for craving showed a significant difference between group 1 and groups 2, 3, and 4. As to CIWA-Ar items, apart from "orientation/clouding of sensorium" that was higher in groups 3 and 4 with respect to both groups 1 and 2, withdrawal symptoms were not significantly different between the periods considered. SHAPS and SANSanh were positively correlated to CIWA-Ar total score, "nausea and vomiting," and "headache/fullness in head." Discussion: The results of this study suggest the relevance of protracted withdrawal well beyond the limited period following the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake. The clinical dimension of anhedonia cannot be separated from the other behavioral symptoms of withdrawal and should be considered as part of the same process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use motives refer to an individual's reasons for engaging in substance use. Although the respective alcohol and cannabis literatures have linked specific substance-use motives to indices of use, less is known about motives in concurrent users, particularly examination of cross-motives (e.g., cannabis motives predicting alcohol use). Methods: The present work examined motives for use in a sample of concurrent users to assess relations between motives and alcohol and cannabis outcomes (quantity, frequency, and use disorder symptoms) using both variable- and person-centered approaches. Finally, the present work aimed to discern the impact of timeframe selection for defining concurrent use (i.e., past year, past two weeks). Participants (N = 524) consisted of individuals that endorsed having used both alcohol and cannabis in the past year with subsample (N = 192) of individuals endorsing past two-week concurrent use. Results: Univariate linear regression analyses revealed small to medium positive relations between all alcohol motives and alcohol outcomes and small to medium positive relations between cannabis social, coping, enhancement, and expansion motives and cannabis use. Regressions examining cross-motives and multivariate models revealed wide variability in relations. Mixture analyses revealed a three-class solution (i.e., High Motives, Positive Alcohol, and Low Conformity) for past year concurrent users and a two-class solution (i.e., Low Motives and High Motives) for past two-week concurrent users. Discussion: Examination of motive classes revealed differences in substance, particularly cannabis, outcomes as a function of class membership. Findings are useful in classifying concurrent users' motives and highlight the importance of timeframe selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to curb alcohol's harm to others, it is important to identify the contexts where people experience such harm. Objectives: To examine whether frequency of drinking in four different locations was associated with increased likelihood of experiencing harm from others' drinking. Methods: Data stem from surveys conducted in the five Nordic countries in 2015 (N = 7065, aged 18–64 years) as part of the European Union's Joint Action on Reducing Alcohol Related Harm (RARHA). Three types of harm from others' drinking in the past 12 months were measured: verbally abused by, harmed physically by, and experienced a serious argument with someone who had been drinking. Respondents also reported frequency of drinking in their own home, in others' homes, in a pub/bar/club/restaurant, and outdoors the past 12 months. Results: Country-pooled adjusted analyses showed that higher frequency of drinking in pubs/bars/clubs/restaurants, outdoors and in someone else's home was associated with increased likelihood of experiencing all three harms. Frequent drinking in one's own home was weakly associated with experience of harm. Women, young individuals, respondents without tertiary level of education and individuals who reported drinking almost daily were at increased risk of experiencing harm from others' drinking. Conclusions: Frequent drinking on licensed premises and outdoors was most clearly associated with experiencing harm from others' drinking, suggesting that these are important arenas for preventive efforts. Women, young individuals, those with low educational level and the most frequent drinkers are important target groups for preventive efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students significantly over-pour more than a standard drink in a free-pour simulated alcohol-pouring task. Due to this effect, it is likely that much of the self-report alcohol consumption data incorrectly or underreport actual alcohol consumption. Objective: We sought to determine factors that influence over-pouring. Specifically, in two studies we sought to determine the effect of different factors on the amount of fluid subjects pour in a simulated alcohol-pouring task. Methods: Data were collected from 217 undergraduate students (105 subjects in study 1 and 112 different subjects in study 2). In study one, subjects were asked to pour what they consider to be a standard beer for themselves and an unfamiliar peer. In study two subjects were instructed to pour a beer for themself and the experimenter as if they were at an off-campus party. Results: In study one, we found that size of the cup used to pour into significantly impacted the amount of fluid poured. In addition, subjects poured significantly less for themselves than the unfamiliar peer. In study two, the imagined context in which subjects poured significantly increased the amount of fluid poured demonstrating the importance of imagined contextual cues on alcohol use behavior. Conclusions/Importance: Imagined drinking context, presence of an unfamiliar peer, and cup size affect the amount of fluid poured in a simulated alcohol free pour task. Given the various factors that impact free pouring in college students, self-report alcohol data should be considered with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental control is considered important in preventing drug use among adolescents. This study aimed to explore the association between the perception of parental monitoring of computer use and drug use among adolescent students. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 2012 among 2,980 students aged 12-17 years from Southern Brazil. The outcomes investigated were the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs in the previous year. The main exposure was the self-reported perception of parental monitoring of computer use. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for the multivariable analysis. The prevalence rates of drugs used were 48.3% (95% confidence interval[CI]: 46.5–50.0) for alcohol, 9.7% (95%CI: 8.7–10.7) for tobacco, 5.1% (95%CI: 4.3–5.9) for cannabis, and 8.7% (95%CI: 7.7–9.7) for other illicit drugs. The absence of monitoring of computer use was reported by 44.3% (95%CI: 42.5–46.1) of the students. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that students aged 12 to 14 years who reported no parental monitoring of computer use had a higher probability of alcohol (Prevalence Ratio[PR] = 1.26, 95%CI:1.07–1.49) and cannabis use (PR = 3.25, 95%CI:1.11–9.53). In addition, a higher consumption of tobacco was observed among students aged 15 to 17 years who reported no parental monitoring of computer use (PR = 1.75, 95%CI:1.17–2.63). In both age groups, psychiatric morbidity was a covariate significantly associated with drug use throughout analysis. Parental monitoring of computer use was significantly associated with adolescent drug use, suggesting its importance in preventing drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, there is growing concern regarding workers' illicit drug use and its implications for health and workplace safety. Young workers in male-dominated industries, such as construction, may be more susceptible to illicit drug use, risky drinking and its associated harms. Purpose/objectives: To investigate drug use and perceptions of risk among male construction workers, drawing comparisons between workers under 25 years with older age groups. Methods: Workers in Sydney, Australia (N = 511) completed a survey measuring past year illicit drug and alcohol use, psychological distress and perceptions of drug-related risks to health and safety. Prevalence in the total sample was compared with national estimates, and differences between younger and older survey respondents were examined using logistic regression models. Results: Survey respondents' cocaine, meth/amphetamine and cannabis use was significantly higher than estimates of male employees nationally (OR = 6.60, 3.58, 1.61, respectively). Young workers ≤24 were more likely to frequently use illicit drugs, drink heavily, and report psychological distress than those aged 35+. Workers ≤24 were least likely to perceive that drug use posed high risks to health or safety when compared with 25-34 and 35+ age groups. Conclusions/importance: The findings highlight the high prevalence of illicit drug use amongst young construction workers, representing threats to workplace safety even if used outside work hours. Greater emphasis on potential adverse effects of alcohol and drug use and closer examination of contributory workplace factors are required. These findings have practical implications to inform occupational health and safety programs and interventions in high-risk workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pre-loading of alcohol and other drugs has become a prevalent start to nights out in many countries. Studies into pre-loading have been using different operational definitions and descriptions, leading to confusion and debate in the research literature. Purpose/Objective: We wish to propose a full taxonomy so that research into preloading, of any substances, can be specific and standardized. Methods: We address this problem by analyzing (1) terminology used throughout the literature, (2) the evolving nature of this phenomenon, and (3) the operational components comprising this substance use practice. Additionally, we provide a context and rationale for how we view pre-loading in relation to the broader event-level session. Results: Our results propose a full operational definition and taxonomy of pre-loading to be used, and built upon, by researchers. We also provide a visual representation of pre-loading within an event-level session and provide a method to facilitate consistency across cultures. Conclusions: We propose that this system will lead to greater specificity and higher reliability in the interpretation of research results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Alcohol use remains a public health concern with accumulating evidence pointing to alcohol-associated prospective memory (PM) deficits. PM is the cognitive ability to remember to perform an intended action at some point in the future. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched the evidence base to identify and explore the evidence of a relationship between alcohol use and PM. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: English language publication, healthy adult participants (16 years and over), primary data on the effects of alcohol on PM. Results: Eight peer-reviewed studies were eligible for inclusion, of which five were randomized controlled trials examining the acute effects of a mild dose of alcohol and three were cross-sectional studies assessing the long-term effects of different drinking patterns on PM. Four main findings were supported by the literature: (1) compared with placebo, an acute administration of a mild alcohol dose to healthy social drinkers may lead to poorer PM performance, (2) alcohol consumption over the recommended weekly units can be associated with impaired PM function, (3) other cognitive domains can play a contributing role in alcohol-induced PM impairment, and (4) following future event simulation alcohol-induced PM impairment may be improved. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption potentially impairs PM, even at a low modest dose. Considering the small number of studies and their methodological flaws, additional research is needed to decipher the alcohol-PM relationship and provide further supporting evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few computer-delivered brief intervention (CDBI) studies have evaluated participant satisfaction with individual elements of the intervention, or whether participant satisfaction impacts intervention outcomes. Purpose: This factorial trial examined whether subjective reactions to a CDBI for heavy drinking (1) varied depending on the presence versus absence of an animated narrator, a spoken voice, empathic reflections, and motivational interviewing (MI) strategies and (2) were associated with drinking outcomes at 3-month follow-up. Methods: Participants were 352 heavy drinking university students. All participants were randomly assigned to one of 16 versions of a CDBI. After finishing the CDBI, participants completed measures of intervention likability and perceived empathy. Alcohol use outcomes were assessed at 3-month follow-up. Results: CDBI characteristics had minimal effects on participant ratings of likeability and perceived empathy. However, higher likeability ratings were associated with decreases in alcohol use outcomes over the 3-month assessment period. Conclusions: Results indicate that subjective reactions to CDBIs can have important effects on alcohol use outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some research suggests that internet interventions aimed at people with problematic alcohol use are more effective when provided with guidance from a therapist or coach. Purpose/Objectives: This trial intended to compare the effects of a previously evaluated internet intervention for people with problematic alcohol use when delivered with or without brief email guidance. Methods: Using online advertising, 238 participants, 18 years or older, were recruited and randomized to receive access to the Internet intervention Alcohol Help Center with or without brief email guidance from a health educator. The guidance consisted of at least four structured, slightly individualized emails delivered during the first two weeks after randomization. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Results: Number of log-ins did not differ significantly between groups throughout the follow-up period. The follow-up rate at 6 months was 47.0%. Generalized estimating equations run on the primary (standard drinks in preceding week/heavy drinking days in preceding week) and secondary outcome variables (AUDIT, AUDIT-C, quality of life) revealed no significant differences between the interventions on any of the outcomes. Conclusions/Importance: The study does not provide support for any added benefits of providing brief guidance via email in an internet intervention for problem drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A number of correlates to adolescent substance use have been shown, yet their unique predictive influence is unclear. We investigated the incremental validity of demographics, family background, school variables, risk perception, parental alcohol attitudes, age of first alcohol use, peer group influence, and behavioral variables as they concurrently predicted last month alcohol use, binge drinking, and drunkenness experience frequency. Methods: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses in a sample of N = 743 adolescents (mean age = 15.01). Results: All predictors explained 26–40% of the total variance. Alcohol use was predicted by age, gender, having two working parents, academic family background, relationship to parents, relative risk perception, parental acceptance of alcohol use, age of first use, talking about positive aspects of alcohol, normality of alcohol use among peers, time spent with friends, and going out to clubs. Binge drinking was predicted by age, working parents, school problems, relative risk perception, parental alcohol acceptance, age of first use, talking about positive aspects of alcohol, time spent with friends, and going out to clubs. Drunkenness was predicted by age, relationship to parents, school problems, relative risk perception, age of first use, talking about positive aspects of alcohol, and going out to clubs. Conclusions: Researchers need to take the complexity of adolescent substance use into account when designing studies and interventions. Relative risk perception emerged as the strongest (positive) predictor, indicating that adolescents are able to rather accurately assess their own risk and risk awareness alone does not suffice to engage in protective behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Life events experienced during adolescence are associated with risk and resilience to heavy episodic drinking (HED; i.e. binge drinking). The current study builds on prior research using latent class analysis (LCA) to examine heterogeneity in patterns of adolescent life events at baseline to HED over the course of three years (4 timepoints) as part of the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA). Methods: Life event classes were modeled using LCA that characterized NCANDA participants based upon their responses to the Life Events Questionnaire (N = 467, age: M = 14.98, SD = 1.69, 49.7% female). These baseline latent life event classes were then compared to HED at baseline and years 1, 2 and 3 using multinomial logistic regression. Results: At baseline, the LCA characterized four classes of adolescents based on endorsement of life events: negative-relational conflict (n = 65, 13.9%), negative-financial problems (n = 49, 10.5%), low life events (n = 130, 27.8%), and positive life events (n = 223, 47.8%). Life event trajectories differed for the negative life event classes compared to the other two classes, with greater odds of HED in the negative-financial problems class at year 1. Conclusion: The four latent classes derived from the life events of NCANDA youth yielded a characterization of adolescents that could aid in understanding HED over the subsequent three years, suggesting that everyday life events may inform adolescent binge drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been increased interest in the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the development of problematic alcohol use, including socioeconomic conditions of the neighborhood. Using a co-twin design, we examined the extent to which contributions of genetic, shared environmental, and unique environmental influences on hazardous drinking differed according to levels of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation. Method: Data came from 1,521 monozygotic (MZ) and 609 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs surveyed in Washington State. A measure of neighborhood deprivation was created based on census-tract-level variables and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test 3-item instrument was used to assess level of hazardous drinking. We tested a series of nested structural equation models to examine associations among hazardous drinking, neighborhood deprivation, and the variance components (genetic [A], shared [C] and unique environmental [E] influences) of these two constructs, testing for both main effects and moderation by neighborhood deprivation. Results: Neighborhood deprivation was significantly associated with increased hazardous drinking, after accounting for A and C variance common to both phenotypes. Adjusting for within-pair differences in income and education, neighborhood deprivation moderated the magnitude of variance components of hazardous drinking, with the variance attributable to shared environment and non-shared environment increasing in more deprived neighborhoods. Conclusions: Findings point to amplification of early childhood as well as unique adulthood environmental risk on hazardous drinking in areas of greater deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was developed as a screening tool for problematic alcohol use and an intervention framework to aid those who drink excessively. While the AUDIT is widely used with at-risk populations, such as military veterans, major gaps exist in the research literature regarding the construct validity of the AUDIT in military samples. Objectives: This study assessed the factor structure and measurement invariance of the AUDIT in a large sample of Canadian military veterans (N = 1669; 94.94% male). Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using a random subsample (n = 825) to assess the underlying factor structure of the AUDIT. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), using the second subsample (n = 844), was used to cross-validate the factor structure revealed by EFA and compare it to other model variants. Finally, multigroup CFAs were conducted using the whole sample to further cross-validate the factor structure and examine measurement invariance in military veterans with and without clinical elevations in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results: Factor analyses revealed that a modified two-factor model provided a statistically better fit to the data compared to all other model variants; yet, the results did not confirm measurement invariance across military veterans with and without clinically significant symptoms of PTSD. Conclusions/Importance: The findings are in line with increasing evidence suggesting that two subscale scores should be calculated for the AUDIT. Results further suggest that care should be taken in interpreting AUDIT scores when PTSD symptoms are present for military veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]