Abstract: Evaluation of the tobacco prevention campaign. The «BRAVO» campaign launched in 2006 is part of the National Tobacco Prevention Programme. After the campaigns on «Smoking is harmful…» (information/ awareness) and «Fresh air, please» (mobilising the public), BRAVO now sends a positive message and focuses on recognition of the benefits of tobacco-free environments. It uses this positive message to further consolidate what has already been achieved in tobacco control.

Abstract: Drug substitution. What role do methadone maintenance programmes or heroin-assisted treatment play in present-day drug policy? Can they aim for cure or are they merely palliative? To what extent is drug substitution therapy? These and other basic questions were considered by over 300 participants in the presentations and 19 workshops at the National Substitution Conference (NASUKO) held in Berne on 6 and 7 September 2007.

Abstract: Problematic gambling is more common among people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) (i.e., either alcohol abuse or dependence) compared with those without AUDs. This association holds true for people in the general population and is even more pronounced among people receiving treatment. No broadly accepted explanation for the link between problematic gambling and AUD currently exists. The available literature suggests that common factors may increase the risk for both conditions. For example, a defect of functioning in a particular brain system may underlie both conditions. This hypothesis should be further developed using brain imaging and psychopharmacological studies. Effective treatment and prevention will require additional research into relevant associations on both the event level (e.g., the effects of drinking on gambling behavior and vice versa) and the syndrome level (e.g., the relative onset and course of each condition among those who have either one or both disorders). A prudent interpretation of the available data suggests careful screening and treatment when necessary for problematic gambling among people with alcohol abuse and for alcohol abuse among people with gambling problems.

Abstract: Study aim: To describe the clinical characteristics of Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) toxicity. Methods: Retrospective case-study of 52 selfreported Ecstasy intoxications presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) between January 2001 and December 2003. Results: Most patients ingested Ecstasy together with other substances, including alcohol (51.9%) or other illicit drugs (71.1%). Medical problems leading to ED presentation were collapse or loss of consciousness (36.5%), palpitations (19.2%), dizziness or weakness (15.4%), and anxiety (13.5%). When other drugs were used in combination with Ecstasy the clinical presentation significantly changed. Panic reactions were observed in 4 of 13 patients with cocaine co-use (30.7%), compared to 3 of 39 patients without cocaine use (7.7%). Deep coma was found in 11 of 16 patients with co-use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or opiates (68.8%) but in none of the 36 patients who took Ecstasy without these drugs. Most patients were monitored in the ED. Six patients (11.5%) were transferred to an intensive care unit. Medical complications were severe in five patients and included cardiac arrest, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, renal insufficiency and liver failure, seizures, and one fatal outcome. Conclusions: The clinical picture of Ecstasy related problems is complicated by multiple drug ingestion. Co-use of cocaine induces panic reactions. Co-use of GHB or opiates results in depressed levels of consciousness.