Abstract: Harm reduction is a new paradigm now emerging in the field of drug education. This strategy recognizes that people always have and always will use drugs and, therefore, attempts to minimize the potential hazards associated with drug use rather than the use itself. The rationale for a harm reduction strategy is presented, followed by an example of the kind of needs assessment which may be needed for planning a harm reduction strategy.

Abstract: In order to test the possible relationship between the chronic consumption of alcohol and the opioid system, we have measured the plasmalevels of β-endorphin in a group of 31 alcoholic patients and compared the results with those of a control group of 16 subjects. Our results show that chronic consumption of alcohol induces a significant decrease in β-endorphin (β-end) plasmalevels regardless of either the disease suffered by the alcoholic patient or of the time of abstinence studied (one month maximum). Thus we believe that the β-end decrease may well be due to the patients’ alcoholism and that it might be mediated by the tetrahydroisoquinoline system, or be a cause of alcoholism rather than a consequence.

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.