The Life Works Community Blog

New research shows strong indications of alcohol abuse being tied to lung damage. The Louisiana based study has shown that, among other things, heavy drinking can damage the bodies’ ability to repair the lungs and protect them against damage from inhaled particles.

A study from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has found a possible link between altered neural circuitry and anorexia and bulimia. The findings suggest that the altered wiring in the brain may contribute to the restrictive eating habits in people with eating disorders.

This new information could help scientists design new and better methods for treating eating disorders.

A newly published study from the United States has shown strong connections between depression in adolescents and later difficulties in the sufferers twenties. The study shows that damaging actions and habits such as alcoholism are more likely in such individuals. "Our research shows that depressed adolescents are more likely to suffer from numerous problems over the first ten years of adulthood. These include ongoing difficulties with mental illness, alcohol abuse, poor physical health, and inadequate social support networks” said author Ian Coleman from the University of Ottawa.

The alcohol industry as a whole, from small scale to large, is resisting changes by the Scottish government aimed at minimizing alcohol related health issues. In an attempt to bring down the figures of alcohol related illnesses and deaths, and thus reduce the financial burden related to such care, Scotland’s government is attempting to change current policy.

The problem of alcoholism and addiction to illegal substances has recently been given serious attention within Wolverhampton, with the launching of a new contract spanning three years initially, working with the charity Nacro.  Nacro is a charity heavily experienced in dealing with crime related to substance abuse, and hopes to be part of the push within the Borough to decrease the number of cases linked to substance abuse and addiction.

Bogota Colombia has a problem. They have 7,500 people addicted to cocaine who are turning areas of the city into dead zones where addicts mix with the cities other homeless. These users are hurting businesses and turning to crime to fund their habit. In an attempt to stop this, the cities government is planning to supply cocaine addicts with cannabis as a way to wean them off the cocaine.

Singer and former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos may have some serious explaining to do after she was caught on hidden camera offering to set up a drug deal.

The Sun newspaper has said that one of its reporters has supplied video footage of Tulisa offering to provide cocaine, a class A drug during an undercover sting.

This has led to an investigation by the Major Crimes Unit of the evidence against Tulisa and her alleged supplier, rapper Mike GLC. The Sun is reporting that the investigation could lead to the arrest of both Tulisa and Mike within days.

Hospital admissions for alcohol problems have risen above 200,000 for the first time ever in England.

This comes after a 41% increase in alcohol admissions in the last decade according to data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

For many, analysing how we view our mind and body is not a consideration or common thought. It is often an instinctive, unconsidered element of our lives and study of it does not seem relative or immediately useful. That said, many in the west are turning to practices such as meditation and analysis of their opinions of their mind and body in order to help improve their quality of life. The topic of the ego and how we view our thoughts as well as our bodies is becoming an increasingly popular subject, with many meditation retreats and coaching services spreading across the western world.

A study recently performed in the U.S. state of Ohio, has discovered a potential link between instances of extreme levels of exercise and suicide in bulimia sufferers. This shocking correlation sheds light on a new possible symptom that may be an indicator of extreme mental issues related to the disorder.

A London led study has confirmed an alarming concern; the numbers of teenagers afflicted with an eating disorder of some form is increasing. The results of this study as more scientific and media attention is focused on the problem of body understanding and confidence.

Recently released research from the charity, Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), shows 75% of heroin addicts in Dublin are also dependent on other drugs.

During a study at an MQI needle exchange, researchers found that half of heroin addicts shot up at least 6 times per week and two thirds of addicts were also using drugs like methadone, benzodiazepine tranquilisers, cannabis, alcohol, steroids and cocaine.

Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore is known for her willingness to discuss her former drug addiction and now the ET star has vowed to take a similarly honest approach with her daughter, Olive.

In an emotional interview with US chat show heavyweight Oprah Winfrey, the new mother pledged to tell her four-month-old about the struggles she went through, including her well-documented substance abuse during her teens.

Research conducted in Spain has highlighted the possibility of virtual reality computer programs as a means to help educate individuals suffering from eating disorders.

The study was based around several different scenarios created electronically. The subject of body image disturbance is a significant indicator of possible eating disorders, with individuals suffering from, for instance, bulimia or binge eating viewing their bodies as smaller or larger than reality, respectively. The idea of employing technology in the form of computer programs was first analyzed in 2003, with the recent Canada based follow-up shedding new light on the possibilities of this type of support.

In one of the scenarios created for the purpose of the study, participants were tasked with adjusting the proportions of a computerized body until they felt it matched their own physical bodies. This allowed for clear and immediate indication of an individual being out of touch with their true physical size.

Medical experts have raised concern that individuals following a gluten-free diet may be using this method to disguise the fact they are suffering from an eating disorder.

According to the Daily Beast, some doctors are growing worried that many image-conscious members of the public are diagnosing themselves with a gluten allergy in order to give themselves a socially acceptable way to shed the pounds.

Individuals who smoke cannabis on a regular basis may find they experience lower energy levels compared to those who do not, researchers from the Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction have suggested.

Acknowledging that only nine per cent of people who use marijuana become dependent on the substance, scientists did note that the drug can still cause several problems for those people who smoke it fairly often.

Individuals who watch porn on a regular basis may be putting their relationship with their other halves under unnecessary strain, the findings from a recent survey of sex experts have suggested.

According to a study conducted by Cosmopolitan magazine, some couples are experiencing problems with their romance as a result of a growing desire among young men to watch adult films on the internet.

Some 86 per cent of therapists questioned by the publication said they believe porn is having a negative effect on relationships, due to the fact it is now so easily accessible.

A national study in the USA has found that one in four teens have misused or abused prescription medications at least once in their lifetime. This is an increase of 33% in the last five years alone.

The research, which was run with data from The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study or PATS shows that 13% of teens report taking Ritalin or Adderall without a prescription.

“This data makes it very clear: the problem is real, the threat immediate and the situation is not poised to get better,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org.

“Parents fear drugs like cocaine or heroin and want to protect their kids. But the truth is that when misused and abused, medicines — especially stimulants and opioids — can be every bit as dangerous and harmful as illicit street drugs.”

With the average Irish drinker consuming the equivalent of a bottle of whiskey per week in Ireland, doctors are looking for ways to lower the countries consumption rates. 

In 2012 A proposal was put forward to the Department of Health Steering Group  that would phase-out alcohol sponsorships for sporting and cultural events by 2016. The group Alcohol Action Ireland sees the practice of alcohol sponsorship as a form of early indoctrination. They described Irish drinking culture as a conveyor belt that creates a steady supply of heavy drinkers that will support the alcohol industry. The alcohol advertising is a sign of this trend they say.

A television presenter has opened up about the eating disorder she suffered with for several years while attempting to maintain some control in her life.

Michaela Strachan said the anorexia that saw her weight plummet to dangerous lows came about as a result of her "sheltered middle-class world" falling apart.