Preliminary Effectiveness of Remotely Monitored Blood Alcohol Concentration Device as Treatment Modality (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank D. Buono ◽  
Colette M. Greed ◽  
Martin Boldin ◽  
Allison Aviles ◽  
Natalie Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Treatment Motivation ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Limited Effectiveness ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
The Impact

UNSTRUCTURED Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disorder with a high likelihood of relapse. Consistent monitoring of blood alcohol concentration through breathalyzers is critical to identifying relapse or misuse. Smartphone applications as a replacement of, or in conjunction with breathalyzers, have shown limited effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this research protocol manuscript is to evaluate the usage and acceptability of a wireless blood alcohol concentration device in collaboration with a long-term treatment facility to assess increased sobriety for patients with alcohol use disorder. The randomized clinical trial will be across two arms, access to the wireless breathalyzer versus no access to the breathalyzer, while both groups have access to treatment. Evaluation will last three months with a six week-follow up, during which each participant will be interviewed at admission, 1 month in, 2 months in, 3 months in and follow-up. Outcomes will focus on the acceptability of the wireless breathalyzer within the alcohol use disorder population and the impact of quality-of-life measures and clinical features on treatment motivation. In addition, we intend to identify the participants’ experiences in relationship to their treatment satisfaction and perceived support.

scholarly journals Homeless people under the influence of alcohol admitted to hospital emergency departments in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-200
Author(s):  
Anna Burak ◽  
Katarzyna Cierzniakowska ◽  
Aleksandra Popow
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Hospital Emergency ◽  
Hospital Emergency Departments

Aim: To assess the incidence of diagnoses related to alcohol use in the population of homeless people admitted to hospital emergency departments (EDs). Material and method: Data were analysed from three hospitals concerning stays of homeless people in three EDs in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2013–2015; 3133 stays were identified. The data were compiled using Microsoft Excel and Statistica 10 statistical software. Results: At the time of admission to EDs, 31% of homeless people were considered to be under the influence of alcohol. Diagnoses related to alcohol use accounted for 25% of all diagnoses. The average blood alcohol concentration in the patients was 2.97 per mille. The average blood alcohol concentration in the group of men was significantly higher than that in the group of women ( p = 0.015). The average length of stay in the ED of patients under the influence of alcohol was significantly longer ( p < 0.0001) than among sober patients. Conclusions: Homeless people under the influence of alcohol account for a third of the population of homeless patients admitted to hospital emergency departments, while alcohol-related ICD-10 diagnoses account for a fourth of all diagnoses in these patients. Homeless patients under the influence of alcohol stay longer in hospital emergency departments than do sober homeless people, which may translate into more frequent acts of aggression towards medical personnel. In Poland there are no systemic ED-level solutions as regards dealing with homeless patients for whom alcohol dependence is in many cases a reality.

scholarly journals Patterns of alcohol and drug utilization in trauma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at six trauma centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance McGraw ◽  
Kristin Salottolo ◽  
Matthew Carrick ◽  
Mark Lieser ◽  
Robert Madayag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Trauma Centers ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Level I ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background Since the national stay-at-home order for COVID-19 was implemented, clinicians and public health authorities worldwide have expressed growing concern about the potential repercussions of drug and alcohol use due to social restrictions. We explored the impact of the national stay-at-home orders on alcohol or drug use and screenings among trauma admissions. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study at six Level I trauma centers across four states. Patients admitted during the period after the onset of the COVID-19 restrictions (defined as March 16, 2020-May 31, 2020) were compared with those admitted during the same time period in 2019. We compared 1) rate of urine drug screens and blood alcohol screens; 2) rate of positivity for drugs or alcohol (blood alcohol concentration ≥ 10 mg/dL); 3) characteristics of patients who were positive for drug or alcohol, by period using chi-squared tests or Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate. Two-tailed tests with an alpha of p < 0.05 was used on all tests. Results There were 4762 trauma admissions across the study period; 2602 (55%) in 2019 and 2160 (45%) in 2020. From 2019 to 2020, there were statistically significant increases in alcohol screens (34% vs. 37%, p = 0.03) and drug screens (21% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). Overall, the rate of alcohol positive patients significantly increased from 2019 to 2020 (32% vs. 39%, p = 0.007), while the rate of drug positive patients was unchanged (57% vs. 52%, p = 0.13). Of the 1025 (22%) patients who were positive for alcohol or drugs, there were significant increases in a history of alcoholism (41% vs. 26%, p < 0.001), and substance abuse (11% vs. 23%, p < 0.001) in the 2020 period. No other statistically significant differences were identified among alcohol or drug positive patients during COVID-19 compared to the same period in 2019. Conclusions Our first wave of COVID-19 data suggests that trauma centers were admitting significantly more patients who were alcohol positive, as well those with substance use disorders, potentially due to the impact of social restrictions and guidelines. Further longitudinal research is warranted to assess the alcohol and drug positive rates of trauma patients over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Characteristics of individuals who use alcohol at the time of attempting suicide

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s273-s273
Author(s):  
D.U. Jung ◽  
S.J. Kim ◽  
J.S. Lim ◽  
B.G. Kong ◽  
J.W. Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Medical Outcomes ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Concentration Levels

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of individuals who used alcohol at the time of attempting suicide.MethodsWe divided 143 individuals who attempted suicide by consuming drugs into two groups on the basis of their blood alcohol concentration level: drinker group (n = 79) and non-drinker group (n = 64). We compared epidemiological characteristics and suicidal behavior between the groups by using the Suicidal Intent Scale (SIS) and the Risk Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS). In addition, we administered the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation–II (APACHE–II) to evaluate the medical lethality of the individuals who attempted suicide. We used Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression to analyze the data.ResultsThe drinker group scored lower on the SIS's planning subscale than the non-drinker group did (P = 0.022). The drinker group's blood alcohol concentration levels were negatively correlated with the rescue potential of their suicidal attempt (P = 0.031) and the APACHE-II score (P = 0.003). Higher blood alcohol concentration levels predicted poorer medical outcomes measured by the APACHE-II (P = 0.004).ConclusionOur findings support the notion that alcohol use increases suicidal impulsivity, decreases rescue potential, and worsens medical outcomes. Therefore, suicide prevention programs need to include education and counselling about the risks associated with alcohol use.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The Association between Alcohol Hangover Frequency and Severity: Evidence for Reverse Tolerance?

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joris C. Verster ◽  
Karin A. Slot ◽  
Lizanne Arnoldy ◽  
Albertine E. van Lawick van Pabst ◽  
Aurora J. A. E. van de Loo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Reverse Tolerance ◽  
The Relationship

Although hangover is a common consequence of heavy alcohol consumption, the area is heavily under-researched. Hangover frequency is a potential predictor of future alcohol use disorder that may be affected by hangover severity, yet the relationship between hangover frequency and severity has not been investigated. Using different methodologies and assessment instruments, two surveys, and one naturalistic study collected data on hangover frequency, hangover severity, and alcohol consumption. The relationship between hangover frequency and severity was investigated via correlational analysis, considering potentially moderating variables including alcohol intake, estimated blood alcohol concentration, demographics, and personality characteristics. In all the three studies, a positive and significant association between hangover frequency and severity was found, which remained significant after correcting for alcohol intake and other moderating factors. These findings suggest that hangover severity increases when hangovers are experienced more frequently and may be driven by sensitization or reverse tolerance to this aspect of alcohol consumption. Future research should further investigate the relationship between hangover frequency and severity and alcohol use disorder and its implications for prevention.

scholarly journals Ecological momentary assessment of daily stress and blood alcohol concentration in healthy drinkers: A feasibility study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M Clay ◽  
Matthew O Parker
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Daily Stress ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Rationale: Hazardous drinking presents a global health risk and if chronic, can escalate into an alcohol use disorder. The causal mechanisms for the transition from controlled alcohol use to uncontrolled misuse and dependence are complex, and it is not presently possible to accurately predict those most at-risk of misusing alcohol, or of developing AUD. Objectives: We investigated the feasibility of using ecological momentary assessments, specifically related to daily stress and alcohol use, to study risk factors for hazardous drinking. We tested the hypothesis that in a sample of healthy drinkers, risk-taking would modulate the impact of daily self-reported stress on alcohol use.Methods: We characterised impulsivity/risk-taking in 23 participants (12 female; mean age = 24.59 [SD = 5.34]) using a battery of questionnaires and computer tasks. We then collected daily behavioural and physiological data related to self-reported stress levels and blood alcohol concentration consumption for 30 days.Results: Attrition and missing data rates were low, with an overall response rate of 92.6% We found support for our hypothesis, with higher risk-taking and impulsive participants drinking more following daily stressors. However, the picture was not clear, with participants drinking greater volumes of alcohol at weekends, and the interactions of stress x personality trait often differing on weekdays.Conclusions: This feasibility study demonstrated the potential for was the first to demonstrate that using ecological momentary assessments, such as, digital biomarkers to assess risk factors for alcohol misuse is a viable option for investigating the effects of neurocognitive endophenotypes and stress on alcohol misuse on a longitudinal basis.

scholarly journals “Free won’t” after a beer or two: chronic and acute effects of alcohol on neural and behavioral indices of intentional inhibition

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Wery P. M. van den Wildenberg ◽  
Gorka Fraga González ◽  
Davide Rigoni ◽  
Marcel Brass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Stop Signal ◽  
Stop Signal Task ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Behavioral Indices

Abstract Background Response inhibition can be classified into stimulus-driven inhibition and intentional inhibition based on the degree of endogenous volition involved. In the past decades, abundant research efforts to study the effects of alcohol on inhibition have focused exclusively on stimulus-driven inhibition. The novel Chasing Memo task measures stimulus-driven and intentional inhibition within the same paradigm. Combined with the stop-signal task, we investigated how alcohol use affects behavioral and psychophysiological correlates of intentional inhibition, as well as stimulus-driven inhibition. Methods Experiment I focused on intentional inhibition and stimulus-driven inhibition in relation to past-year alcohol use. The Chasing Memo task, the stop-signal task, and questionnaires related to substance use and impulsivity were administered to 60 undergraduate students (18–25 years old). Experiment II focused on behavioral and neural correlates acute alcohol use on performance on the Chasing Memo task by means of electroencephalography (EEG). Sixteen young male adults (21–28 years old) performed the Chasing Memo task once under placebo and once under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol concentration around 0.05%), while EEG was recorded. Results In experiment I, AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) total score did not significantly predict stimulus-driven inhibition or intentional inhibition performance. In experiment II, the placebo condition and the alcohol condition were comparable in terms of behavioral indices of stimulus-driven inhibition and intentional inhibition as well as task-related EEG patterns. Interestingly, a slow negative readiness potential (RP) was observed with an onset of about 1.2 s, exclusively before participants stopped intentionally. Conclusions These findings suggest that both past-year increases in risky alcohol consumption and moderate acute alcohol use have limited effects on stimulus-driven inhibition and intentional inhibition. These conclusions cannot be generalized to alcohol use disorder and high intoxication levels. The RP might reflect processes involved in the formation of an intention in general.

The Impact of Protective Behavioral Strategy Use Frequency on Blood Alcohol Concentrations Among Student Drinkers Nationwide

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-209
Author(s):  
Adam E. Barry ◽  
Ashley L. Merianos
Keyword(s):  
College Student ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Behavioral Strategy ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: This study assessed whether college student (1) protective behavioral strategy (PBS) use differed between those who reached legal intoxication during their most recent drinking episode compared to those who did not reach the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold, and (2) frequency of PBS use could explain the variance associated with BAC during the most recent drinking episode, above and beyond one’s sex, age, and involvement in the Greek system. Design: Secondary data analysis of the American College of Health Association’s National College Health Assessment. Setting: Forty-four distinct campuses were included. Participants: A total of 21479 college students were included. Measures: BAC and PBS were measured. Analysis: The data were analyzed by conducting both independent samples t-tests and a multiple regression model. Effect sizes are reported. Results: Participants who reached legal intoxication used PBS less frequently ( P < .001; d = 0.80). Frequency of PBS use had the strongest unique contribution to the regression model (β = −.315, P < .001), such that participants with higher BAC reported less frequent use of PBS. Conclusion: Interventions should seek to develop strategies that encourage college student use of PBS prior to, and during, drinking episodes. More frequent use of PBS can reduce intoxication as well as occurrence of alcohol-associated consequences.

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