Megan K. Reed, Tracy Esteves Camacho, Kristin L. Rising, Rose Laurano, Danielle Albaciete, Stephen E. Lankenau
Introduction
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are increasingly recommended for non-heroin drugs to detect potential fentanyl adulteration. The aim of this study was to better understand how people are using FTS.
Methods
In simulation exercises between September and October 2023, 40 people who used drugs participated in a mock use of FTS on a simulated drug, interpreted FTS results and completed interviews about their FTS use. Data were analysed in NVivo.
Results
Prior to study enrolment, 80% of participants reported receiving training on using FTS, some had instructed others on their use, and 71% reported a positive result at the last use of a FTS on a non-heroin drug. During the simulation exercise, none of the participants used FTS as recommended: most under-diluted the sample or used the FTS in another manner not indicated. During the interpretation of FTS strip results, 45% correctly interpreted a positive test; 55% a negative test with clear lines; and 30% a negative test with a faint second line.
Discussion and Conclusions
Observed errors in FTS simulations would likely lead to false positive results. Findings highlight the lack of appropriate training people have received and the need to develop educational approaches to ensure people use FTS properly to optimise their impact.
{"title":"Urgent Need for Pairing Training and Education With Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution","authors":"Megan K. Reed, Tracy Esteves Camacho, Kristin L. Rising, Rose Laurano, Danielle Albaciete, Stephen E. Lankenau","doi":"10.1111/dar.70049","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70049","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are increasingly recommended for non-heroin drugs to detect potential fentanyl adulteration. The aim of this study was to better understand how people are using FTS.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In simulation exercises between September and October 2023, 40 people who used drugs participated in a mock use of FTS on a simulated drug, interpreted FTS results and completed interviews about their FTS use. Data were analysed in NVivo.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Prior to study enrolment, 80% of participants reported receiving training on using FTS, some had instructed others on their use, and 71% reported a positive result at the last use of a FTS on a non-heroin drug. During the simulation exercise, none of the participants used FTS as recommended: most under-diluted the sample or used the FTS in another manner not indicated. During the interpretation of FTS strip results, 45% correctly interpreted a positive test; 55% a negative test with clear lines; and 30% a negative test with a faint second line.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Observed errors in FTS simulations would likely lead to false positive results. Findings highlight the lack of appropriate training people have received and the need to develop educational approaches to ensure people use FTS properly to optimise their impact.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"1885-1895"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70049","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145285804","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}
Silke Behrendt, Alexis Kuerbis, Anna Mejldal, Jens Søndergaard, Kjeld Andersen, Ulrik Becker, Marie Holm Eliasen, Anette Søgaard Nielsen
Introduction
Cross-sectional evidence shows that alcohol use disorders (AUD) are under-treated. Knowledge is needed on longitudinal predictors of long-term receipt of AUD treatment among older adults.
Aims
To identify the: (i) long-term occurrence of AUD treatment receipt during follow-up; (ii) time to treatment; and (iii) predictors of long-term treatment receipt.
Methods
Longitudinal cohort study. To create a baseline, a subsample from the Danish National Health Survey 2017 with a positive CAGE-C (n = 13,489, aged 55–80 years) was enriched with Danish national register data. AUD treatment data covered a follow-up period of up to 2.9 years following this baseline and came from the National Alcohol Treatment Register. Longitudinal predictors of treatment receipt were investigated with Cox regression analysis; time-to-treatment with Kaplan Meier curves. All analyses were conducted in the whole sample, in a subsample scoring ≥ 2 on the original CAGE (n = 3748, 28.9%), and in a subsample endorsing the CAGE-‘Eye-opener’-criterion (n = 707, 6.2%).
Results
In the whole sample, only 1.3% received AUD treatment in the follow-up period (3.9% in the CAGE- and 7.3% in the ‘Eye-Opener’-criterion subsample). Across all samples, only about 40% of treatments were initiated by 12 months after baseline. Baseline contacts with health care providers and impaired well-being predicted a greater rate of treatment entry during follow-up (p < 0.05).
Discussion and Conclusions
Among older adults, AUD treatment uptake in the 2.9 years after reporting recent problematic alcohol use is rare. Treatment occurs with delay, regardless of problem severity. Contacts with health care providers are opportunities to support subsequent treatment receipt.
{"title":"Predictors of Long-Term Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Receipt Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Problematic Alcohol Use","authors":"Silke Behrendt, Alexis Kuerbis, Anna Mejldal, Jens Søndergaard, Kjeld Andersen, Ulrik Becker, Marie Holm Eliasen, Anette Søgaard Nielsen","doi":"10.1111/dar.70021","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70021","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cross-sectional evidence shows that alcohol use disorders (AUD) are under-treated. Knowledge is needed on longitudinal predictors of long-term receipt of AUD treatment among older adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To identify the: (i) long-term occurrence of AUD treatment receipt during follow-up; (ii) time to treatment; and (iii) predictors of long-term treatment receipt.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Longitudinal cohort study. To create a baseline, a subsample from the Danish National Health Survey 2017 with a positive CAGE-C (<i>n</i> = 13,489, aged 55–80 years) was enriched with Danish national register data. AUD treatment data covered a follow-up period of up to 2.9 years following this baseline and came from the National Alcohol Treatment Register. Longitudinal predictors of treatment receipt were investigated with Cox regression analysis; time-to-treatment with Kaplan Meier curves. All analyses were conducted in the whole sample, in a subsample scoring ≥ 2 on the original CAGE (<i>n</i> = 3748, 28.9%), and in a subsample endorsing the CAGE-‘Eye-opener’-criterion (<i>n</i> = 707, 6.2%).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In the whole sample, only 1.3% received AUD treatment in the follow-up period (3.9% in the CAGE- and 7.3% in the ‘Eye-Opener’-criterion subsample). Across all samples, only about 40% of treatments were initiated by 12 months after baseline. Baseline contacts with health care providers and impaired well-being predicted a greater rate of treatment entry during follow-up (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among older adults, AUD treatment uptake in the 2.9 years after reporting recent problematic alcohol use is rare. Treatment occurs with delay, regardless of problem severity. Contacts with health care providers are opportunities to support subsequent treatment receipt.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"1979-2002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dar.70021","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145279219","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}
Yvette Mojica-Perez, Michael Livingston, Amy Pennay, Sarah Callinan
Introduction
There have been mixed findings on how alcohol consumption changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. We triangulated six data sources to assess what happened to Australian alcohol consumption during the pandemic and examined how seasonal patterns in consumption related to potential lockdown effects.
Methods
Data were obtained from surveys, sales-based estimates and wastewater data, and analysed descriptively. The mean and proportion change in alcohol measures between 2020 and 2023 compared to 2019 were calculated. The monthly 2020–2023 off-premise sales were compared to pre-pandemic estimates.
Results
Consumption in 2020 remained relatively consistent with pre-pandemic levels (proportion change ranged from −5.3% to 5.6%). Compared to pre-pandemic levels (10.28 L in 2018/19), sales-based estimates decreased in 2019/20 (10.04 L) and increased in 2020/21 (10.85 L), before decreasing in 2021/22 and 2022/23 (10.74 and 10.46 L, respectively). Apart from the initial impact of the public health orders on off-premise purchasing, the restrictions did not appear to influence off-premise sales. Shifts in consumption in 2020 were substantially influenced by regular seasonal patterns of drinking.
Discussion and Conclusions
We found mixed results in how consumption changed during the pandemic, suggesting that survey and administrative data should be used in conjunction when examining consumption. Using survey data, there were no significant changes in consumption during the pandemic compared with 2019. However, seasonality effects were evident during 2020, which should be considered when assessing consumption during the pandemic. Meanwhile, off-premise sales and sales-based estimates were higher in 2020–2023 than pre-pandemic estimates—suggesting a shift in Australian off-premise purchasing patterns.
{"title":"What Happened to Alcohol Consumption in Australia During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Comparing Alcohol Consumption Measures","authors":"Yvette Mojica-Perez, Michael Livingston, Amy Pennay, Sarah Callinan","doi":"10.1111/dar.70048","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70048","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There have been mixed findings on how alcohol consumption changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. We triangulated six data sources to assess what happened to Australian alcohol consumption during the pandemic and examined how seasonal patterns in consumption related to potential lockdown effects.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data were obtained from surveys, sales-based estimates and wastewater data, and analysed descriptively. The mean and proportion change in alcohol measures between 2020 and 2023 compared to 2019 were calculated. The monthly 2020–2023 off-premise sales were compared to pre-pandemic estimates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Consumption in 2020 remained relatively consistent with pre-pandemic levels (proportion change ranged from −5.3% to 5.6%). Compared to pre-pandemic levels (10.28 L in 2018/19), sales-based estimates decreased in 2019/20 (10.04 L) and increased in 2020/21 (10.85 L), before decreasing in 2021/22 and 2022/23 (10.74 and 10.46 L, respectively). Apart from the initial impact of the public health orders on off-premise purchasing, the restrictions did not appear to influence off-premise sales. Shifts in consumption in 2020 were substantially influenced by regular seasonal patterns of drinking.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion and Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found mixed results in how consumption changed during the pandemic, suggesting that survey and administrative data should be used in conjunction when examining consumption. Using survey data, there were no significant changes in consumption during the pandemic compared with 2019. However, seasonality effects were evident during 2020, which should be considered when assessing consumption during the pandemic. Meanwhile, off-premise sales and sales-based estimates were higher in 2020–2023 than pre-pandemic estimates—suggesting a shift in Australian off-premise purchasing patterns.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":"44 7","pages":"1968-1978"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145250245","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}
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}
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