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First alcoholic drink during puberty increases risk of alcohol problems

First alcoholic drink during puberty increases risk of alcohol problems

Research shows that the earlier the age at which youth take their first alcoholic drink, the greater the risk of developing alcohol problems. Thus, age at first drink (AFD) is generally considered a powerful predictor of progression to alcohol-related harm. [More]
College females exceed national drinking guidelines for drinking more frequently than males

College females exceed national drinking guidelines for drinking more frequently than males

In order to avoid harms associated with alcohol consumption, in 2009 the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism issued guidelines that define low-risk drinking. These guidelines differ for men and women: no more than four drinks per day, and 14 drinks per week for men, and no more than three drinks per day, and seven drinks per week for women. [More]

Alcohol advertising pre-disposes young people to have favorable attitudes toward drinking

In order to avoid exposing vulnerable groups such as children and young adults to alcohol advertising, industry groups have developed their own self-regulation guidelines. However, these guidelines have been criticized for possible conflict of interest, lack of objectivity, and unresponsiveness to complaints about violations. [More]
Study examines effects of smoking on cognitive functioning in AD individuals

Study examines effects of smoking on cognitive functioning in AD individuals

Treatment for alcohol use disorders works best if the patient actively understands and incorporates the interventions provided in the clinic. [More]

Roundup: N.D. abortion clinic sues to stop new law; Health care savings close budget hole in Conn.; Calif. counties struggle to expand mental health care

The running battle over the regulation of abortions entered a North Dakota courtroom on Wednesday, as the state's sole abortion clinic sued to block a new law that it says could force it to shut down. The law, requiring doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, was promoted by anti-abortion legislators, who argued that it would mean better care for women who suffer medical emergencies (Eckholm, 5/15). [More]
Regularly taking prescription painkillers is associated with higher risk of ED in men

Regularly taking prescription painkillers is associated with higher risk of ED in men

Regularly taking prescription painkillers, also known as opioids, is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, according to a study published online today in the journal Spine. [More]

Brazilian investigators call for targeted interventions among young crack users

A Brazilian investigative team, collaborating with a Simon Fraser University researcher, is citing an urgent need for targeted interventions among young crack users in cities throughout Brazil, identified as the world's biggest crack market, and further research to better address the problem. [More]
TCAT improves health and social outcomes for people with complex substance use issues

TCAT improves health and social outcomes for people with complex substance use issues

A program co-led by St. Michael's Hospital could be the next widely used model to treat patients who are frequent users of the health care system and have severe addictions, often complicated by homelessness and mental health problems. [More]

Clinical study reveals that Kava could be an alternative treatment for GAD

A world-first completed clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava, a medicinal South Pacific plant, significantly reduced the symptoms of people suffering anxiety. [More]

NAPHS releases new study that examines readmission patterns within Medicare IPF PPS

The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems today released a new study by The Moran Company that is the first to examine readmission patterns within inpatient psychiatric facilities paid under the Medicare IPF prospective payment system. [More]

New challenges to military medicine

Better body armor and rapid aeromedical evacuations enable American service members to survive blasts that would have proved fatal in Vietnam or even the first Gulf War, but they pose new challenges to military medicine - how to deal with the excruciating pain of injuries, especially severe burns from IED blasts that body armor can't protect. [More]
Researchers successfully test new anti-cocaine vaccine in primates

Researchers successfully test new anti-cocaine vaccine in primates

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have successfully tested their novel anti-cocaine vaccine in primates, bringing them closer to launching human clinical trials. [More]
Parents addicted to drugs are more likely to be depressed in adulthood

Parents addicted to drugs are more likely to be depressed in adulthood

The offspring of parents who were addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to be depressed in adulthood, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers. [More]
Nicotine in peppers and tomatoes may provide protective effect against Parkinson's disease

Nicotine in peppers and tomatoes may provide protective effect against Parkinson's disease

New research reveals that Solanaceae-a flowering plant family with some species producing foods that are edible sources of nicotine-may provide a protective effect against Parkinson's disease. The study appearing today in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society, suggests that eating foods that contain even a small amount of nicotine, such as peppers and tomatoes, may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's. [More]

Hospitals need to test physicians for drug and alcohol use to improve patient safety

To improve patient safety, hospitals should randomly test physicians for drug and alcohol use in much the same way other major industries in the United States do to protect their customers. [More]
Advances in lung cancer treatment have major impact on short- and long-term outcomes

Advances in lung cancer treatment have major impact on short- and long-term outcomes

The American College of Chest Physicians third edition of evidence-based lung cancer guidelines, Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines, recommends offering low-dose computed tomography scanning for lung cancer screening to people with a significant risk of lung cancer due to age and smoking history. [More]

Martindale Pharma announces UK launch of Prenoxad Injection for opioid overdose

Martindale Pharma, a leader in the manufacture and supply of specialty pharmaceuticals, is pleased to announce the UK launch of Prenoxad Injection, the world's first licensed emergency treatment for acute opioid related overdose for use at home or other non-medical settings. [More]
Mental illness linked to substance use disorder transition

Mental illness linked to substance use disorder transition

Research shows that there is a strong association between rates of transition from substance use to substance use disorder and the lifetime risk for mental illness, particularly personality and psychotic disorders. [More]
Antihistamine drugs work by preventing histamine from attaching to H1 receptors

Antihistamine drugs work by preventing histamine from attaching to H1 receptors

Itchy eyes, scratchy throat, running nose--it's allergy season! What triggers these allergic reactions, and how do allergy medications work? [More]
Research shows association between cognition, brain activity in response to televised anti-smoking ads

Research shows association between cognition, brain activity in response to televised anti-smoking ads

Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at University of the Pennsylvania have shown that an area of the brain that initiates behavioral changes had greater activation in smokers who watched anti-smoking ads with strong arguments versus those with weaker ones, and irrespective of flashy elements, like bright and rapidly changing scenes, loud sounds and unexpected scenario twists. [More]