Web of Addictions - What's New

What's New - November 1, 1998

FY'99 Appropriations for Substance Abuse Programs

The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) web site contains a great summary of the FY'99 U.S. Federal appropriations for substance abuse. Check the following links:

Senator Harold Hughes Memorial Award

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) announced the creation of the Senator Harold Hughes Memorial Award. This award will annually honor a non-researcher who has used alcohol-related research findings to foster and advance research, prevention, and/or treatment translating research into practice. Follow the link above for more information. Nominations are due by November 15, 1998.

Naltrexone And Alcoholism Treatment

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) has just announced the publication of the latest volume in the Treatment Improvement Protocol, Naltrexone And Alcoholism Treatment. It is available on the web. The publication, the 28th in the series of Treatment Improvement Protocols, focuses on use of naltrexone as a safe and effective medication in treating alcoholism. Naltrexone helps to prevent relapse to drinking by reducing the craving for alcohol. Up to five free hard copies of TIPs can be ordered from the National Clearinghouse of Drug and Alcohol Information (NCADI) by accessing its electronic catalog or by calling 1-800-729-6686.

Alcohol and the Liver: Research Update

NIAAA's newest Alcohol Alert highlights recent research on the mechanisms and treatment of alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD), updating a previous Alert published in 1993. Dr. Gordis, Director of NIAAA points out that: "Serious ALD is a major public health problem. These conditions can be progressive and fatal, especially if the patient continues to consume alcohol." The full text of this Alert as well as a wide variety of other publications are available through NIAAA's web site. The direct URL for Alcohol Alert No. 42: Alcohol and the Liver: Research Update is: http://silk.nih.gov/silk/niaaa1/publication/aa42.htm
Additionally, you can request large or small quantities of this free bulletin by writing to either:
arcadmail2@csrincorp.com
-or-
NIAAA Publications Distribution Center
Attn: Alcohol Alert
P.O. Box 10686
Rockville, MD 20849-0686

Research Participants Needed

Dr. Kirk Wilhelmsen and his colleagues in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco are conducting a study on the genetics of alcoholism. Using state of the art equipment to analyze DNA they are hoping to find the gene or genes that contribute to the development of alcoholism. This discovery would have far reaching effects on prevention, treatment, and public policy.

The hope of the study is to gain an understanding of this very complex disease that affects the lives of so many of us. Information collected may eventually lead to a better understanding of the reasons why people become addicted to alcohol.

In order for this project to succeed they are looking for recovering alcoholics or those who are still drinking to participate in the study. Individuals who do not live in the San Francisco area may participate via the mail and telephone interviews. Locating interested individuals has been a difficult task because, naturally people are concerned about confidentiality. Dr. Wilhelmsen and his colleagues are extremely sensitive to this issue and maintain the confidentiality of each participant's record. Information is identified by code number only, and all files are kept in locked file cabinets or password protected computer files. In fact, the study has obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

If you are interested in participating in this important study go to their web site for more information and contact instructions.

New Links

Dr. Ralph Cinque (the author of Quit-for-Good)
Food Addicts Anonymous
Community Drug Board of Akron, OH

See earlier What's New Pages

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