Detection of alcoholism in hospitalized children and their families

Article Abstract:

Abuse of alcohol and other substances by family members should be addressed by pediatricians because of its high prevalence among patients and their families. In addition, alcohol dependency has been associated with serious psychological, medical, and other consequences. However, pediatricians are often poorly educated in how to recognize and respond to familial alcoholism. Although some may screen adolescents, many pediatricians do not feel they should have to deal with parental alcohol abuse. As part of an effort to develop a wider medical approach to substance abuse education, pediatricians and other physicians were evaluated for their ability to recognize alcoholism among their hospital inpatients. Out of the 147 children's families who agreed to participate, 59 children agreed to be interviewed. Either a parent or child in 22 of the participating families screened positive for alcoholism. Only one family was identified by the attending pediatrician, a rate of 5 percent, compared with up to 65 percent recognition by other physician specialists. Demographic characteristics such as education, household income, or race were not indicative of alcoholism. Affected parents were more likely to report stress and inadequate sleep. Adolescents with alcoholic parents were more likely to report being troubled, scared, or angered by parental drinking. The study suggests that most pediatricians do not consider family alcoholism along with other aspects of the patient's family medical history, and a deliberate screening effort is needed. Pediatricians need to be educated about alcoholism screening so that they can provide appropriate education and make referrals for patients and their families who are affected. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Family, Alcoholics, Children of alcoholics

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Relation of alcohol expectancies to changes in problem drinking among college students

Article Abstract:

College students' expectations about alcohol appear to be associated with their drinking patterns, changes in their alcohol use over time, and problem drinking. Researchers surveyed 184 college students about alcohol use, beliefs about drinking outcomes, and alcohol-related problems during their freshman and junior years. Students at high-risk for problem drinking had significantly higher positive expectations about alcohol use during their freshman and junior years than nondrinkers and low-risk drinkers. At the end of their junior year, problem drinkers were less concerned about the negative consequences of alcohol use than the other students. Freshman high-risk drinkers who moderated their alcohol consumption were increasingly concerned about the negative outcomes of alcohol use as juniors compared to high-risk drinkers who did not limit their alcohol intake. Freshman who became high-risk drinkers during college had significantly higher positive expectations than freshman who remained lighter drinkers.

Psychological aspects, Risk factors, Drinking of alcoholic beverages, Drinking (Alcoholic beverages), College students

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Early identification, screening, and brief intervention for adolescent alcohol use

Article Abstract:

Doctors should screen and counsel adolescents about alcohol use because alcohol use is a significant source of health-related problems in this age group. Alcohol is involved in many adolescent accidents, murders, and suicides. It contributes to mental health disorders, and it leads to engaging in risky sexual behavior as well. The reported use of alcohol among adolescents is high, frequent use is common, and children are beginning to drink at younger ages. Pediatricians should begin discussing alcohol use before adolescence, and adolescent health care should routinely include assessment of alcohol use. There are several short questionnaires that can be used to ascertain the adolescent's attitudes towards alcohol, drinking behavior, and willingness to change. These, in combination with good interviewing, listening, and counseling skills, will enable pediatricians to identify at-risk adolescents, screen for alcohol use, and help adolescents modify their behavior.

Methods, Health risk communication

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