Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The Australian National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders Inc.

(NOFASARD) was established and incorporated in Adelaide in 1998. It is Australia’s peak body representing parents, carers and others interested in or affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). NOFASARD currently receives no operational funding and is staffed totally by volunteers.

The Aims and Objectives of NOFASARD are:

• To promote and resource good practice in the management of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and related disorders resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.
• Provide information, advocacy, education and support that will assist carers and those working with and affected by Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and related disorders.
• Work towards the prevention of Foetal alcohol syndrome and related disorders.

NOFASARD members lobby State and Federal Agencies, politicians and professional associations about:

• The lack of appropriate education about the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy
• The lack of acknowledgment of this disability by health authorities in Australia
• The lack of appropriate management strategies and support for people with FASD.

Through education and advocacy, NOFASARD members aim to improve the lives of children/adults with FASD. Representatives from the organization present at seminars and workshops for both government and nongovernment agencies throughout Australia

More information at; http://www.nofasard.org.au/

Hepatitis C

The highest rates of hepatitis C are in addicts and alcoholics.

Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Because many people do not have symptoms when they are infected, it is important for those at risk to take action to avoid infecting others.

Background

Although HCV has existed for a long time, it was only identified in 1989. HCV causes inflammation of the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis (extensive scarring that can affect the normal function of the liver).

Some people recover from their infection, but 75-85% progress to the chronic (carrier) state. People with chronic hepatitis C may not have symptoms for decades. Approximately 35% of those who have chronic hepatitis C, do not know that they are infected.

Other topics in this article are;

• Health Risks of Hepatitis C
• The Health Effects of Hepatitis C
• Minimizing Your Risk

Full story at; Health Canada

See also;

• Hepatitis B
• ABC’s of Recovery
• Abstinence from Heroin Addiction Works
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Hepatitis B

Some of the highest rates of hepatitis B are in alcoholics and addicts.

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is carried in blood and body fluids. It can lead to serious liver damage, life-long infection, liver cancer, liver failure and even death. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can protect you against hepatitis B.

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of a group of viruses that attacks the liver. Six hepatitis viruses have been identified but three – known as A, B, and C – cause about 90% of the acute hepatitis cases in Canada.

HBV is the most common form of hepatitis virus in the world. It is easily transmitted and is significantly more infective than HIV. HBV is primarily transmitted from one person to another through blood or other body fluids, such as vaginal secretions and semen. It is usually spread through sexual contact or by sharing contaminated needles or other drug equipment. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and birth.

The majority of people infected with HBV do not have noticeable symptoms and may unknowingly be experiencing liver damage and infecting others. That is why it is important for those most at risk to be vaccinated against the virus and avoid risky behaviour.

Topics in the linked article include;

• Symptoms of HBV
• Risks of Hepatitis B Exposure
• The Health Effects of Hepatitis B
• Minimizing Your Risk

Full story at; Health Canada

See also;

• 25% of US Teenage Girls Have Sexually Transmitted Disease
• Where do Kids Get Pills
• Subscribe by e-Mail to Alcohol Self-help News

5 Stages of Alcoholism

The Disease of Alcoholism

There are, and have been, many theories about alcoholism. The most prevailing theory, and now most commonly accepted, is called the Disease Model.

Its basic tenets are that alcoholism is a disease with recognizable symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment. In addition, there are several stages of the disease which are often described as early, middle, late, treatment and relapse.

While it is not essential to fully define these stages, it is useful to understand them in terms of how the disease presents itself.

This series of articles describes the signs and symptoms of each stage as well as exploring treatment options.

1. Early or Adaptive Stage
2. Middle Stage
3. Late Stage
4. Treating Alcoholism
5. Relapse to drinking

1 – The Early or Adaptive Stage of Alcoholism

The early or adaptive stage of alcoholism is marked by increasing tolerance to alcohol and physical adaptations in the body which are largely unseen.

This increased tolerance is marked by the alcoholic’s ability to consume greater quantities of alcohol while appearing to suffer few effects and continuing to function. This tolerance is not created simply because the alcoholic drinks too much but rather because the alcoholic is able to drink great quantities because of physical changes going on inside his or her body.

The early stage is difficult to detect. By appearances, an individual may be able to drink a great deal without becoming intoxicated, having hangovers, or suffering other apparent ill-effects from alcohol. An early stage alcoholic is often indistinguishable from a non-alcoholic who happens to be a fairly heavy drinker.

In the workplace, there is likely to be little or no obvious impact on the alcoholic’s performance or conduct at work. At this stage, the alcoholic is not likely to see any problem with his or her drinking and would scoff at any attempts to indicate that he or she might have a problem. The alcoholic is simply not aware of what is going on in his or her body.

See also;

1. Early or Adaptive Stage
2. Middle Stage
3. Late Stage
4. Treating Alcoholism
5. Relapse to drinking

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Pilots Barred from Taking Chantix

  The American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that pilots and air-traffic controllers may not use the antismoking drug Chantix, citing concerns about side-effects associated with the drug, the Associated Press reported May 21.

“We have immediate safety concerns about the use of varenicline (Chantix) among persons operating aircraft, trains, buses and other vehicles, or in other settings where a lapse in alertness or motor control could lead to massive, serious injury,” said a new report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, which found hundreds of cases where Chantix users experienced dizziness, loss of consciousness, seizures, and abnormal movements and spasms.

A spokesperson for the FAA said that the ban would go into effect immediately even though the agency has not received any reports of Chantix being involved in aviation accidents.

Pfizer, the maker of Chantix, said that the labels on the drug already warn against operating heavy machinery or driving, and the firm cast doubt on reports of incidents of serious side effects. “It is important to understand the limitations of spontaneous adverse event reporting,” the company said. “Often these reports lack sufficient medical information and/or have confounding factors that prevent a meaningful assessment of causality.”

See also;

• Chantix warning
• Craving reduction drug for alcohol AND smoking
• Alcohol is a drug – TOO!
• Subscribe by e-Mail to Alcohol Self-help News