Tesfa M. Yimer, Gary C. K. Chan, Daniel Stjepanović, Tianze Sun, Dongwoo Shin, Meghan Lucey, Jisu Choi, John B. Saunders, Jason P. Connor, Janni Leung
Issues
Health benefits of red wine are claimed and attributed to its high polyphenol content, but these claims are controversial due to the array of known alcohol-related harms. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify whether there are health benefits of dealcoholised red wine.
Approach
We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science for randomised controlled or cross-over trials. Comparisons analysed were: (i) dealcoholised red wine versus red wine; and (ii) dealcoholised red wine versus water. Health outcomes included serum/plasma antioxidant capacity, cardiovascular function, immune function, liver function, metabolism, microbiome diversity and inflammatory markers. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate standardised mean differences (SMD = d).
Key Findings
From 865 identified records, we included 36 studies. Dealcoholised red wine was associated with increased serum/plasma antioxidant capacity (d = 0.72; 95% CI [0.42, 1.01]) and microbiome diversity (d = 0.63 [0.32, 0.93]) compared to water, but has less effect on microbiome diversity (d = −0.32 [−0.52, −0.11]) compared to red wine. No significant differences were observed in other health outcomes.
Implications
Dealcoholised red wine may have some short-term health benefits, but there is uncertainty on long-term population-level impacts; therefore, the precautionary principle should be applied.
Conclusions
Dealcoholised red wine may have some short-term health benefits in increasing serum/plasma antioxidant capacity and microbiome diversity, but the evidence is limited by small sample size, short-term follow-up, and heterogeneous studies. These data do not support a rationale for drinking red wine for purported health benefits due to the known long-term health harms of alcohol consumption.
{"title":"The Short-Term Health Effects of Dealcoholised Red Wine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Tesfa M. Yimer, Gary C. K. Chan, Daniel Stjepanović, Tianze Sun, Dongwoo Shin, Meghan Lucey, Jisu Choi, John B. Saunders, Jason P. Connor, Janni Leung","doi":"10.1111/dar.70047","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70047","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Issues</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Health benefits of red wine are claimed and attributed to its high polyphenol content, but these claims are controversial due to the array of known alcohol-related harms. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify whether there are health benefits of dealcoholised red wine.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Approach</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science for randomised controlled or cross-over trials. Comparisons analysed were: (i) dealcoholised red wine versus red wine; and (ii) dealcoholised red wine versus water. Health outcomes included serum/plasma antioxidant capacity, cardiovascular function, immune function, liver function, metabolism, microbiome diversity and inflammatory markers. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate standardised mean differences (SMD = d).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Key Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From 865 identified records, we included 36 studies. Dealcoholised red wine was associated with increased serum/plasma antioxidant capacity (<i>d</i> = 0.72; 95% CI [0.42, 1.01]) and microbiome diversity (<i>d</i> = 0.63 [0.32, 0.93]) compared to water, but has less effect on microbiome diversity (<i>d</i> = −0.32 [−0.52, −0.11]) compared to red wine. No significant differences were observed in other health outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Implications</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dealcoholised red wine may have some short-term health benefits, but there is uncertainty on long-term population-level impacts; therefore, the precautionary principle should be applied.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dealcoholised red wine may have some short-term health benefits in increasing serum/plasma antioxidant capacity and microbiome diversity, but the evidence is limited by small sample size, short-term follow-up, and heterogeneous studies. These data do not support a rationale for drinking red wine for purported health benefits due to the known long-term health harms of alcohol consumption.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"2091-2105"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145250277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Darke, J. Duflou, A. Chrzanowska, M. Farrell, J. Lappin, and A. Peacock, “Changes in the Rates and Characteristics of Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-Related Death in Australia, 2001–2023,” Drug and Alcohol Review 44, no. 1 (2025): 366–375. https://doi.org/ 10.1111/dar.13940
An error has been identified in Table 1 of the published article.
In the row for ‘Injecting drug use’ under the column ‘Stable period, 2001–2015, n = 51’, the value should be corrected to '8 (15.7)' instead of ‘89 (15.7)’.
We apologise for this error.
S. Darke， J. Duflou， A. Chrzanowska， M. Farrell， J. Lappin， A. Peacock，“2001-2023年澳大利亚γ羟基丁酸盐（GHB）相关死亡率和特征的变化”，《药物与酒精评论》，第44期，no。1(2025): 366-375。https://doi.org/ 10.1111 / dar.13940在发表的文章的表1中发现了一个错误。在“平稳时期，2001-2015年，n = 51”栏下的“注射吸毒”一栏，将“89（15.7）”改为“8（15.7）”。我们为这个错误道歉。
{"title":"Correction to “Changes in the Rates and Characteristics of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-Related Death in Australia, 2001–2023”","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/dar.70051","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70051","url":null,"abstract":"<p>S. Darke, J. Duflou, A. Chrzanowska, M. Farrell, J. Lappin, and A. Peacock, “Changes in the Rates and Characteristics of Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-Related Death in Australia, 2001–2023,” <i>Drug and Alcohol Review</i> 44, no. 1 (2025): 366–375. https://doi.org/ 10.1111/dar.13940\u0000 </p><p>An error has been identified in Table 1 of the published article.</p><p>In the row for ‘Injecting drug use’ under the column ‘Stable period, 2001–2015, <i>n</i> = 51’, the value should be corrected to '8 (15.7)' instead of ‘89 (15.7)’.</p><p>We apologise for this error.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70051","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145250193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Minimum unit pricing (MUP), which involves setting a floor price for alcoholic beverages based on their alcohol content, has been shown to reduce alcohol-related harms. This study identified alcoholic beverages in Western Australia that may be affected by three minimum unit price thresholds.
Methods
In September 2024, we web-scraped product information for 16,645 alcoholic beverages listed on the online stores of two major alcohol retail chains in Perth, Australia. We identified the proportion of products that were priced below three floor price thresholds ($1.30, $1.50 and $1.75 per standard drink), both overall and across six alcohol categories. We further identified the proportion of all products with a promoted price (e.g., ‘was $10, now $8’) that fell below each threshold.
Results
A small proportion of alcohol products were priced below the $1.30, $1.50 and $1.75 floor price thresholds (4%, 5% and 7%, respectively). The majority of cask wine products were priced below each threshold (86%, 88% and 89%, respectively), whereas only a small fraction of cider (9%, 12% and 28%), bottled wine (6%, 8% and 12%), beer (1%, 1% and 4%), spirits (0%, 0% and 1%) and premix drinks (0% for each) fell below these levels. Few products were promoted at a price below the corresponding thresholds (3%, 4% and 5%).
Discussion and Conclusions
Most alcohol prices would be unaffected by MUP thresholds ranging from $1.30 to $1.75. Communicating this finding could increase the general acceptability of the policy.
{"title":"Alcohol Pricing and Discounting in Western Australia: Identifying Products Below Hypothetical Minimum Unit Prices","authors":"Tazman Davies, Tina Lam, Simone Pettigrew","doi":"10.1111/dar.70045","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Minimum unit pricing (MUP), which involves setting a floor price for alcoholic beverages based on their alcohol content, has been shown to reduce alcohol-related harms. This study identified alcoholic beverages in Western Australia that may be affected by three minimum unit price thresholds.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In September 2024, we web-scraped product information for 16,645 alcoholic beverages listed on the online stores of two major alcohol retail chains in Perth, Australia. We identified the proportion of products that were priced below three floor price thresholds ($1.30, $1.50 and $1.75 per standard drink), both overall and across six alcohol categories. We further identified the proportion of all products with a promoted price (e.g., ‘was $10, now $8’) that fell below each threshold.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A small proportion of alcohol products were priced below the $1.30, $1.50 and $1.75 floor price thresholds (4%, 5% and 7%, respectively). The majority of cask wine products were priced below each threshold (86%, 88% and 89%, respectively), whereas only a small fraction of cider (9%, 12% and 28%), bottled wine (6%, 8% and 12%), beer (1%, 1% and 4%), spirits (0%, 0% and 1%) and premix drinks (0% for each) fell below these levels. Few products were promoted at a price below the corresponding thresholds (3%, 4% and 5%).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Most alcohol prices would be unaffected by MUP thresholds ranging from $1.30 to $1.75. Communicating this finding could increase the general acceptability of the policy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"2013-2018"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan Easton, Bonnie Grant, Geoffrey Spurling, Raphael Magnolini, Timothy Piatkowski
Introduction
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is rising in Australia; however, discontinuation poses challenges due to withdrawal symptoms and a lack of clinical guidance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore online discourses around post-cycle therapy (PCT), including perceived health risks, benefits and barriers, among people who use AAS.
Methods
This study employed a digital ethnographic approach to explore Australian ‘steroid forums’ discussing PCT. Data were collected by extracting posts containing relevant keywords across four selected forums, with analysis guided by the Health Belief Model to identify barriers, facilitators and perceptions related to PCT.
Results
A total of 150 threads and 5059 posts from 580 unique forum users were analysed. Key barriers to PCT engagement included social influences, aggressive anti-PCT discourse and regulatory constraints. Benefits of PCT were recognised in preventing side effects and preserving muscle gains. Consumers shared concerns about hormonal imbalance, sexual health and long-term damage, which were driving forces behind seeking advice on PCT.
Discussion and Conclusions
This study highlights the role of online forums in shaping AAS consumers' understanding of PCT, where peer-driven knowledge networks facilitate harm reduction. However, inconsistent advice and the lack of clear clinical guidelines, compounded by the lack of prospective studies, contribute to uncertainty and risk. This underscores the need for evidence-based, non-stigmatising support in healthcare.
{"title":"Looking for the Best Way to Come Off Steroids Safely? Exploring Post-Cycle Therapy, Cessation, and Recovery Discourse and Practice in Australian Steroid Consumer Forums","authors":"Jonathan Easton, Bonnie Grant, Geoffrey Spurling, Raphael Magnolini, Timothy Piatkowski","doi":"10.1111/dar.70042","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70042","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is rising in Australia; however, discontinuation poses challenges due to withdrawal symptoms and a lack of clinical guidance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore online discourses around post-cycle therapy (PCT), including perceived health risks, benefits and barriers, among people who use AAS.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study employed a digital ethnographic approach to explore Australian ‘steroid forums’ discussing PCT. Data were collected by extracting posts containing relevant keywords across four selected forums, with analysis guided by the Health Belief Model to identify barriers, facilitators and perceptions related to PCT.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 150 threads and 5059 posts from 580 unique forum users were analysed. Key barriers to PCT engagement included social influences, aggressive anti-PCT discourse and regulatory constraints. Benefits of PCT were recognised in preventing side effects and preserving muscle gains. Consumers shared concerns about hormonal imbalance, sexual health and long-term damage, which were driving forces behind seeking advice on PCT.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study highlights the role of online forums in shaping AAS consumers' understanding of PCT, where peer-driven knowledge networks facilitate harm reduction. However, inconsistent advice and the lack of clear clinical guidelines, compounded by the lack of prospective studies, contribute to uncertainty and risk. This underscores the need for evidence-based, non-stigmatising support in healthcare.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"1951-1960"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70042","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tianze Sun, Gary Chan, Shannon Gravely, Anne C. K. Quah, Gang Meng, Geoffrey T. Fong, Steve S. Xu, Kota Katanoda, Hong Gwan Seo, Takahiro Tabuchi, Itsuro Yoshimi, Chang Bum Kang, Giang Vu, Ara Cho, Carmen Lim, Kayo Togawa, Sujin Lim, Sungkyu Lee, Sung-il Cho, Gil-yong Kim, Janni Leung
Introduction
This cross-sectional study examined: (i) knowledge of smoking-related health risks among adults who currently and formerly smoke; (ii) concerns about personal health damage from smoking among adults who currently smoke; (iii) sociodemographic predictors of knowledge; and (iv) associations between knowledge and concerns in Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Methods
Data from the 2021 International Tobacco Control Surveys included adults (aged ≥ 20, ≥ 19 respectively) in Japan (n = 2956 currently smoke, n = 852 formerly smoke) and Korea (n = 3776 currently smoke, n = 194 formerly smoke). Primary outcomes included knowledge of smoking-related health risks (six consistently measured: stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, impotence, early death), categorised as correct or incorrect, summed into a knowledge index score and concerns about smoking damaging their own health. Survey-weighted analyses examined country and smoking status differences and associations between knowledge, concerns and sociodemographic characteristics.
Results
Among adults who currently smoke, knowledge of lung cancer was highest (Japan: 82.8%, Korea: 92.2%); lowest were impotence in Japan (35.7%) and heart disease in Korea (69.6%). Adults who formerly smoked had higher knowledge than those who currently smoke in Japan (4.74 [4.50–4.97] vs. 4.00 [3.82–4.18]) but not in Korea (5.05 [4.39–5.72] vs. 4.69 [4.47–4.90]). Japanese adults who currently smoke had lower knowledge and fewer concerns than their Korean counterparts (p < 0.05). Greater knowledge predicted increased concerns in both countries (OR = 1.27 [1.20, 1.35]). Only in Japan were younger age (B = 0.59 [0.06, 1.13]) and moderate income (B = 0.41 [0.16, 0.66]) associated with greater knowledge.
Discussion and Conclusions
The observed differences in knowledge and concerns about smoking-related health risks between Japan and Korea may reflect their contrasting tobacco control policies.
{"title":"Knowledge and Concerns About Smoking-Related Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2021 International Tobacco Control Japan and Korea Surveys","authors":"Tianze Sun, Gary Chan, Shannon Gravely, Anne C. K. Quah, Gang Meng, Geoffrey T. Fong, Steve S. Xu, Kota Katanoda, Hong Gwan Seo, Takahiro Tabuchi, Itsuro Yoshimi, Chang Bum Kang, Giang Vu, Ara Cho, Carmen Lim, Kayo Togawa, Sujin Lim, Sungkyu Lee, Sung-il Cho, Gil-yong Kim, Janni Leung","doi":"10.1111/dar.70043","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This cross-sectional study examined: (i) knowledge of smoking-related health risks among adults who currently and formerly smoke; (ii) concerns about personal health damage from smoking among adults who currently smoke; (iii) sociodemographic predictors of knowledge; and (iv) associations between knowledge and concerns in Japan and the Republic of Korea.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data from the 2021 International Tobacco Control Surveys included adults (aged ≥ 20, ≥ 19 respectively) in Japan (<i>n</i> = 2956 currently smoke, <i>n</i> = 852 formerly smoke) and Korea (<i>n</i> = 3776 currently smoke, <i>n</i> = 194 formerly smoke). Primary outcomes included knowledge of smoking-related health risks (six consistently measured: stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, impotence, early death), categorised as correct or incorrect, summed into a knowledge index score and concerns about smoking damaging their own health. Survey-weighted analyses examined country and smoking status differences and associations between knowledge, concerns and sociodemographic characteristics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among adults who currently smoke, knowledge of lung cancer was highest (Japan: 82.8%, Korea: 92.2%); lowest were impotence in Japan (35.7%) and heart disease in Korea (69.6%). Adults who formerly smoked had higher knowledge than those who currently smoke in Japan (4.74 [4.50–4.97] vs. 4.00 [3.82–4.18]) but not in Korea (5.05 [4.39–5.72] vs. 4.69 [4.47–4.90]). Japanese adults who currently smoke had lower knowledge and fewer concerns than their Korean counterparts (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Greater knowledge predicted increased concerns in both countries (OR = 1.27 [1.20, 1.35]). Only in Japan were younger age (<i>B</i> = 0.59 [0.06, 1.13]) and moderate income (<i>B</i> = 0.41 [0.16, 0.66]) associated with greater knowledge.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The observed differences in knowledge and concerns about smoking-related health risks between Japan and Korea may reflect their contrasting tobacco control policies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"2127-2137"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70043","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145198653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Timothy Piatkowski, Emma Kill, Geoff Davey, Monica J. Barratt, Jason Ferris, Suzanne Nielsen, Amy Peacock
Introduction
Research on anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) use has addressed health outcomes, social dynamics, service access and risk management strategies. Yet little work has examined how these domains converge in injection practices, where community-led knowledge and structural barriers shape harm reduction. This study aimed to explore people's experiences of injecting AAS, focusing on practices, challenges and sources of harm reduction knowledge, and examined how consumers develop safer injection methods through lived-living expertise.
Methods
Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews with Australian AAS consumers (N = 25), including follow-ups with 15 participants, resulting in 40 research interactions. These interactions examined safer injecting, harm reduction strategies and structural barriers. Analysis employed iterative categorisation, integrating lived-living experience and a lens of prefigurative politics to develop knowledge into three theme-categories.
Results
Participants articulated that injecting, when done correctly, was perceived as a safer usage pathway. However, many participants lacked access to clear, evidence-based injection guidance and acquired information through informal sources including online forums and peer networks. Some AAS consumers experienced bacterial infections and abscesses, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with injecting. Experienced consumers had developed practices, through experimentation, on site rotation, injection volume and hygiene to mitigate harms.
Discussion and Conclusions
AAS consumers prefigure harm reduction through their community, yet informal learning is inconsistent. Peer-led interventions which partner with trusted allies, including clinicians and health workers, can work toward reducing injecting-related harms in the community; thus, moving the alcohol and other drug sector toward sustainable, collective care.
{"title":"Creating Safer Injecting Practices Through Community-Led Harm Reduction: Lessons From People Who Use Steroids for the Alcohol and Other Drug Sector","authors":"Timothy Piatkowski, Emma Kill, Geoff Davey, Monica J. Barratt, Jason Ferris, Suzanne Nielsen, Amy Peacock","doi":"10.1111/dar.70044","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70044","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Research on anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) use has addressed health outcomes, social dynamics, service access and risk management strategies. Yet little work has examined how these domains converge in injection practices, where community-led knowledge and structural barriers shape harm reduction. This study aimed to explore people's experiences of injecting AAS, focusing on practices, challenges and sources of harm reduction knowledge, and examined how consumers develop safer injection methods through lived-living expertise.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews with Australian AAS consumers (<i>N</i> = 25), including follow-ups with 15 participants, resulting in 40 research interactions. These interactions examined safer injecting, harm reduction strategies and structural barriers. Analysis employed iterative categorisation, integrating lived-living experience and a lens of prefigurative politics to develop knowledge into three theme-categories.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Participants articulated that injecting, when done correctly, was perceived as a safer usage pathway. However, many participants lacked access to clear, evidence-based injection guidance and acquired information through informal sources including online forums and peer networks. Some AAS consumers experienced bacterial infections and abscesses, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with injecting. Experienced consumers had developed practices, through experimentation, on site rotation, injection volume and hygiene to mitigate harms.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>AAS consumers prefigure harm reduction through their community, yet informal learning is inconsistent. Peer-led interventions which partner with trusted allies, including clinicians and health workers, can work toward reducing injecting-related harms in the community; thus, moving the alcohol and other drug sector toward sustainable, collective care.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"1940-1950"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70044","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mallie J. Paschall, Joel W. Grube, Kirsten Helgeson
Introduction
This study examined associations between retail alcohol and cannabis availability, use, and simultaneous use of these substances among youth and potential explanatory variables.
Methods
In 2023–24, 1082 15- to 20-year-olds were surveyed in 40 California cities. The survey included questions about past-year alcohol use, binge drinking, cannabis use, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAC) use, exposure to opportunities for these behaviours in different contexts, normative and health-related beliefs, and demographic characteristics. City-level measures included retail alcohol and cannabis outlet density and demographic characteristics. Analyses examined associations of these substance use behaviours with retail availability of alcohol and cannabis and potential explanatory variables.
Results
On-premises alcohol outlet density was significantly associated with past-year alcohol use (b = 0.36, p < 0.05) and binge drinking (b = 0.23, p < 0.05). Licensed cannabis retail outlet density was positively associated with past-year cannabis use (b = 6.4, p < 0.01), while unlicensed cannabis outlet density was negatively associated with cannabis use (b = −21.1, p < 0.01). On-premises alcohol outlet density was positively associated with past-year SAC use (b = 0.18, p < 0.01). These associations were at least partially explained by greater exposure to opportunities for alcohol, cannabis, and SAC use in different contexts/situations and beliefs related to these behaviours.
Discussion and Conclusions
Retail availability of alcohol and cannabis is associated with alcohol and cannabis use and SAC use among youth. These associations are at least partly explained by greater exposure to opportunities to engage in these behaviours and related beliefs.
{"title":"Opportunities for Use: Explaining Associations Between Retail Availability and Use of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Youth","authors":"Mallie J. Paschall, Joel W. Grube, Kirsten Helgeson","doi":"10.1111/dar.70041","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study examined associations between retail alcohol and cannabis availability, use, and simultaneous use of these substances among youth and potential explanatory variables.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In 2023–24, 1082 15- to 20-year-olds were surveyed in 40 California cities. The survey included questions about past-year alcohol use, binge drinking, cannabis use, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAC) use, exposure to opportunities for these behaviours in different contexts, normative and health-related beliefs, and demographic characteristics. City-level measures included retail alcohol and cannabis outlet density and demographic characteristics. Analyses examined associations of these substance use behaviours with retail availability of alcohol and cannabis and potential explanatory variables.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>On-premises alcohol outlet density was significantly associated with past-year alcohol use (<i>b</i> = 0.36, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and binge drinking (b = 0.23, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Licensed cannabis retail outlet density was positively associated with past-year cannabis use (<i>b</i> = 6.4, <i>p</i> < 0.01), while unlicensed cannabis outlet density was negatively associated with cannabis use (<i>b</i> = −21.1, <i>p</i> < 0.01). On-premises alcohol outlet density was positively associated with past-year SAC use (<i>b</i> = 0.18, <i>p</i> < 0.01). These associations were at least partially explained by greater exposure to opportunities for alcohol, cannabis, and SAC use in different contexts/situations and beliefs related to these behaviours.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Retail availability of alcohol and cannabis is associated with alcohol and cannabis use and SAC use among youth. These associations are at least partly explained by greater exposure to opportunities to engage in these behaviours and related beliefs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"2030-2040"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145148310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Merci Ujeneza, Jessica Tardif, Erin Thompson, Adina Badea, Alexis Morales, Cole Altomare-Jarczyk, Traci C. Green, Rachel Serafinski, Michelle McKenzie, Ju Nyeong Park
Introduction
The illicit drug supply constantly fluctuates, with new adulterants and unexpected mixtures creating uncertainty. Point-of-care drug-checking services are vital in reducing overdose risk and other harms by providing real-time analysis, harm reduction education and links to care. This study aimed to characterise the local drug supply using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, complemented by Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) for additional context, from drug residues collected through a drug-checking program within a Rhode Island harm reduction site.
Methods
From January to May 2023, 100 samples were analysed using FTIR and sent for additional qualitative and semi-quantitative testing via LC-QToF-MS. Substances detected by both methods were summarised by prevalence, mixture composition and alignment with self-reported drug categories.
Results
Fentanyl (53%) and cocaine (48%) were the most prevalent substances detected by FTIR, followed by xylazine (10%) and methamphetamine (8%). Cross-category analysis revealed cocaine in 36% of opioid-reported samples and fentanyl in 3% of self-reported cocaine samples, underscoring the mixed nature of the supply. We found the local fentanyl supply (n = 57) showed high variability, with 15 additional components detected by FTIR, including xylazine (19.3%).
Discussion and Conclusions
These findings provide a snapshot of the unpredictable and highly mixed nature of the Rhode Island drug supply defined by stimulant-opioid overlaps, xylazine adulteration and the presence of cocaine across drug categories. By pairing real-time FTIR with laboratory-based analysis, we provided actionable information back to service users while also uncovering deeper patterns in local drug trends.
{"title":"Point-Of-Care Drug-Checking: Assessing the Rhode Island Drug Supply Using FTIR Spectroscopy to Detect Fentanyl, Xylazine and Other Substances","authors":"Merci Ujeneza, Jessica Tardif, Erin Thompson, Adina Badea, Alexis Morales, Cole Altomare-Jarczyk, Traci C. Green, Rachel Serafinski, Michelle McKenzie, Ju Nyeong Park","doi":"10.1111/dar.70037","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70037","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The illicit drug supply constantly fluctuates, with new adulterants and unexpected mixtures creating uncertainty. Point-of-care drug-checking services are vital in reducing overdose risk and other harms by providing real-time analysis, harm reduction education and links to care. This study aimed to characterise the local drug supply using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, complemented by Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) for additional context, from drug residues collected through a drug-checking program within a Rhode Island harm reduction site.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From January to May 2023, 100 samples were analysed using FTIR and sent for additional qualitative and semi-quantitative testing via LC-QToF-MS. Substances detected by both methods were summarised by prevalence, mixture composition and alignment with self-reported drug categories.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fentanyl (53%) and cocaine (48%) were the most prevalent substances detected by FTIR, followed by xylazine (10%) and methamphetamine (8%). Cross-category analysis revealed cocaine in 36% of opioid-reported samples and fentanyl in 3% of self-reported cocaine samples, underscoring the mixed nature of the supply. We found the local fentanyl supply (<i>n</i> = 57) showed high variability, with 15 additional components detected by FTIR, including xylazine (19.3%).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These findings provide a snapshot of the unpredictable and highly mixed nature of the Rhode Island drug supply defined by stimulant-opioid overlaps, xylazine adulteration and the presence of cocaine across drug categories. By pairing real-time FTIR with laboratory-based analysis, we provided actionable information back to service users while also uncovering deeper patterns in local drug trends.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"1866-1874"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145112163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matheus De Carlos Oliveira, Marília Mendes-Sousa, Luís Eduardo Soares-Santos, Juliana Y. Valente, Sheila C. Caetano, Zila M. Sanchez
Issues
This systematic review of community-based environmental prevention strategies seeks to understand their characteristics, examine their effectiveness and identify challenges for preventing alcohol use among adolescents.
Approach
A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO through December 2024. Eligible studies were randomised or quasi-experimental designs targeting individuals under 21 years, evaluating environmental interventions (regulatory, physical or economic) with outcomes related to underage alcohol consumption and access. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools.
Key Findings
Regulatory strategies were the most frequent (94%; 15/16), followed by physical strategies (37%; 6/16). The most reported outcome was a reduction in alcohol availability (62%; 10/16), followed by a general reduction in consumption (37%; 6/16). Although 69% (11/16) of the studies reported positive effects, heterogeneity in study designs and terminology limited comparability. It is crucial to note that community mobilisation, although not an environmental strategy per se, was described in 81% (13/16) of the studies.
Implications
The analysis indicates that the effectiveness and sustainability of environmental interventions are strongly associated with their integration with community mobilisation. This synergy, however, introduces methodological complexity, making it difficult to analyse components in isolation and to standardise evaluation.
Conclusions
The findings reaffirm the value of environmental interventions, particularly regulatory ones, in preventing alcohol use among adolescents. The most promising model is multicomponent, combining actions that modify the environment with robust processes of community participation, forming an adaptable and holistic framework to promote sustainable outcomes.
{"title":"Community-Based Environmental Interventions to Prevent Alcohol Use in Adolescents: A Systematic Review","authors":"Matheus De Carlos Oliveira, Marília Mendes-Sousa, Luís Eduardo Soares-Santos, Juliana Y. Valente, Sheila C. Caetano, Zila M. Sanchez","doi":"10.1111/dar.70038","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Issues</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This systematic review of community-based environmental prevention strategies seeks to understand their characteristics, examine their effectiveness and identify challenges for preventing alcohol use among adolescents.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Approach</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO through December 2024. Eligible studies were randomised or quasi-experimental designs targeting individuals under 21 years, evaluating environmental interventions (regulatory, physical or economic) with outcomes related to underage alcohol consumption and access. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Key Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Regulatory strategies were the most frequent (94%; 15/16), followed by physical strategies (37%; 6/16). The most reported outcome was a reduction in alcohol availability (62%; 10/16), followed by a general reduction in consumption (37%; 6/16). Although 69% (11/16) of the studies reported positive effects, heterogeneity in study designs and terminology limited comparability. It is crucial to note that community mobilisation, although not an environmental strategy per se, was described in 81% (13/16) of the studies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Implications</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The analysis indicates that the effectiveness and sustainability of environmental interventions are strongly associated with their integration with community mobilisation. This synergy, however, introduces methodological complexity, making it difficult to analyse components in isolation and to standardise evaluation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The findings reaffirm the value of environmental interventions, particularly regulatory ones, in preventing alcohol use among adolescents. The most promising model is multicomponent, combining actions that modify the environment with robust processes of community participation, forming an adaptable and holistic framework to promote sustainable outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"2041-2056"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70038","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145079816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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