Drug and alcohol review最新文献

Ireland has regulated for all packaged alcohol products to include a health warning that states that 'there is a link between alcohol and fatal cancers'. This warning is being opposed in the World Trade Organization by 12 member states who are raising that the warning is an unnecessary barrier to trade. The World Health Organization is supporting Ireland. Countries should not oppose Ireland's warning which is defensible from legal and public health perspectives.

Introduction: Investigations of drinking practices often rely on cross-country comparisons of population averages in beverage preferences, drinking volumes and frequencies. Here, we investigate within-culture patterns and variations in where, why and how people drink, answering the research question: how does engagement in drinking practices vary by sex, age and household income?

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis examining the societal distribution (by age, sex, household income) of 12 drinking practices: four off-trade practices (in-home consumption; e.g., evening at home with partner) and eight on-trade practices (licensed-venue consumption, e.g., family meal, big night out). Practices were identified in previous analyses of 2019 British event-level diary data (14,742 drinkers aged 18+ reporting 26,220 off-trade and 8768 on-trade occasions).

Results: The level of engagement in practices varied by sex, age and income. In the on-trade sector, men, particularly those in low-income groups, engaged in traditional pub-drinking, while women, especially older women, engaged in sociable drinking occasions with family and friends which commonly involved food. Young men and women were similarly likely to engage in heavier on-trade practices, which remained commonplace into midlife. Drinking while socialising with friends, both inside and outside the home, was common among younger age groups across all income bands. From midlife, home drinking often involved a partner, especially for higher income groups.

Discussion and conclusions: Most drinking practices were shared across the whole population, but level of engagement in them is strongly patterned by age, household income and, particularly in the on-trade sector, sex.

Introduction: Childhood traumatic experiences (CTE) have been identified as a robust risk factor for a range of substance use behaviours. However, little is known about their association with adolescent vaping. We explored prospective associations between CTEs and vaping among a sample of Australian adolescents.

Methods: The sample comprised 2234 adolescents (baseline M_age = 12.7 years, SD = 0.5; 49.9% female) enrolled in the Health4Life cluster randomised controlled trial. Using mixed effects logistic regression analyses, data from the baseline and 36-month assessment waves were used to examine whether CTEs (by ~ age 12) were associated with current or lifetime vaping and future intentions to vape (~ age 15).

Results: Adjusting for socio-demographic variables, CTE exposure at baseline was associated with higher odds of ever having vaped (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.34, 2.02), and of being a current regular vape user (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.11, 2.39). Experiencing CTEs was also associated with higher odds of intending to vape in the future (odds ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.11, 1.86).

Discussion and conclusions: This study is the first to identify CTEs as a risk factor for vaping, and intentions to vape in the future, among Australian adolescents. These findings align with global research and highlight another common risk factor across various forms of substance use. CTE exposed adolescents represent a priority group who may require earlier and more targeted vaping intervention.

Introduction: This study explores the attitudes of psychologists towards psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) following the world-first regulatory changes in 2023 in Australia which permitted psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) to be used in clinical services.

Methods: A purposive sample of 20 Australian psychologists was recruited using snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which explored participants' attitudes, knowledge and concerns about PAT. Data were coded and analysed to identify and develop theme categories.

Results: Most psychologists exhibited positive attitudes towards psychedelics and their therapeutic potential, viewing them as promising for addressing chronic mental health conditions like depression. However, there was a notable concern regarding the limited evidence on efficacy and potential adverse experiences, as well as the complexity of the individualised treatment protocol. Despite enthusiasm, many psychologists had limited detailed knowledge about the interventions themselves. The need for comprehensive education and training programs, including exposure to psychedelic experiences and credible higher education institutions, was emphasised to ensure competence in administering PAT.

Discussion and conclusions: Psychologists displayed notably positive attitudes towards PAT, likely reflecting both shifting perceptions of psychedelics and self-selection bias within the sample. Despite this optimism, concerns were raised about psychiatric risks and the necessity for comprehensive and reputable training and supervision. The cohort showed openness to both novel treatments and innovative training methods, underscoring the importance of enhancing educational frameworks to ensure effective implementation of PAT.

Introduction: The study aims are to: (i) explore methods for identifying alcohol company marketing in metaverses; (ii) identify current types of alcohol marketing in metaverses; and (iii) identify dominant portrayals and meanings of alcohol marketing in these settings.

Methods: Our design was exploratory, employing various approaches to identify alcohol company marketing across multiple metaverses. In stage one, we systematically navigated through metaverses as an avatar, documenting and coding all instances of alcohol company marketing. In stage two, the research team collaboratively explored and discussed excerpts of this marketing. The team thematically analysed the transcribed discussion, identifying key meanings and interpretations of immersive and interactive alcohol marketing.

Results: Stage one: alcohol company marketing was identified in two metaverses, Decentraland and Sandbox. Within those metaverses were five alcohol company marketing experiences: Heineken Silver, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Wisher Vodka, San Matias Tequila, and Mason Martell Cognac. Marketing strategies included immersive commerce, virtual drinking, immersive branding, immersive engagement, gaming, non-fungible tokens (digital assets), education, non-player characters promoting brands and virtual event-based marketing. Stage two: themes identified were: (i) immersive branding, representing continued exposure to brands that were both foregrounded and on the edge of users' awareness; (ii) immersive engagement, including alcohol-related gaming, quests, and alcohol production; (iii) avatars simulating drinking behaviour (virtual drinking); and (iv) immersive commerce representing how metaverse alcohol marketing may drive alcohol transactions.

Discussion and conclusion: Alcohol companies are using novel immersive marketing techniques in metaverses. The impact on the experiences and drinking behaviours of users are unknown and require investigation.

Introduction: Current trends in the addiction field reflect a significant emphasis on the workforce development and education. There are already some data about university-based addiction studies programs, but not much from Australasia.

Methods: The aim is to provide an overview and describe the academic programs for addiction professionals in Australia and Aotearoa NZ. The research was conducted in 2017 and updated in 2023. Firstly, university websites were searched using pre-defined keywords, followed by a content analysis of the identified programs. The data were analysed and interpreted by using descriptive statistics.

Results: We found 21 universities in Australia (13) and Aotearoa NZ (8) where 46 single programs are provided. There are three bachelor programs, nine masters, and the majority of degrees include (post)graduate certificates and diplomas. No doctorate programs are identified. The taught courses provide comprehensive coverage of the addiction field topics. Twelve programs state clearly that there is clinical practice/internship included. Application to most programs requires completion of a relevant degree and in some cases possible clinical experience.

Discussion and conclusions: In comparison to educational options in other regions, we observe a trend towards preparing university graduates for the workforce, thereby expanding the range of programs at lower levels. Most programs possibly represent clinically oriented education primarily specialising in addictions, and graduate programs in addictions for professionals with other disciplinary bases. Great emphasis is given to the quality standards of education, and also to relationship between education and labour market. Findings help opening opportunities to collaborate globally.

Introduction: Reducing alcohol availability and restricting alcohol advertising are effective ways to reduce harm from alcohol. Implementation of public health policies involves collaboration between different stakeholders, and is influenced by public opinion. This paper explores public and professional stakeholders' perceptions of alcohol advertising and availability policies. It is the first to capture consensus and divergence in narratives of these stakeholders.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 stakeholders from third sector organisations, government, public health and alcohol licensing in Scotland. We conducted 11 online focus groups with 45 participants, living in neighbourhoods in Scotland characterised by varying levels of urbanity, deprivation and retail density change. We gave participants a list of policies and discussed their views on acceptability, feasibility and likely success.

Results: Despite general consensus that regulation of alcohol advertising is an important priority, public stakeholders were concerned about the feasibility of advertising interventions and potential unintended consequences. While professional stakeholders were in favour of regulating alcohol availability, public stakeholders had misgivings about feasibility and effectiveness. When prompted to discuss specific interventions, similar views about protecting children and achieving cultural change emerged.

Discussion and conclusions: This study highlights the importance of policy makers and other stakeholders to consider public stakeholders' opinions on alcohol policy and understanding that their views may be influenced by competing framings of alcohol problems. Attempts to increase support for alcohol control policies need to consider people's concerns about the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of these policies, and the wider social context of alcohol consumption.

Introduction: YouTube personalities (YP) have amassed significant followings by distributing health information. There is concern that YP involved in anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) communities are sharing information on how people should approach initiating AAS use. This research sought to explore how YP are using their platform to distribute information on AAS initiation, what information is being presented and how people are responding.

Methods: This mixed methods research utilised a netnographic approach, a method adapted from traditional ethnographic techniques for the study of online sociocultural phenomena. The research included a selection of YouTube videos (n = 37) and user comments replying to the videos (n = 584).

Results: YP addressed the positives and negatives of AAS initiation (76%; n = 28 and 76%; n = 28 respectively), provided harm reduction strategies (76%; n = 28), and advice on which AAS people should use (97%; n = 36). A qualitative thematic analysis of the comments found two overarching themes: 'Authenticity, capital and the influence of the YP on their audiences' and 'The evolving landscape of enhancement and health'. Viewers engaged with the videos due to the YPs lived experience using AAS, and YP influenced the health behaviours of viewers. Many believed that the videos were useful for health and lifestyle enhancement purposes.

Discussion and conclusions: YP are disseminating diverse information on AAS initiation which is derived from their lived experience using AAS. Harm reduction is a key component of the YPs' message and viewers responded positively to a balanced and honest assessment of AAS initiation which is perceived to respect their personal autonomy.