Stefanie Müller

Changes in alcohol consumption and beverage preference among adolescents after the introduction of the alcopops tax in Germany

AIMS The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of the alcopops tax to changes in alcohol consumption and beverage preference among adolescents in Germany. We hypothesize that the decrease of alcohol intake by alcopops is substituted by an increase of alcohol intake by other alcoholic beverages. DESIGN Data came from the German 2003 (n = 10 551) and 2007 (n = 10 598) cross-sectional study of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD). PARTICIPANTS A propensity score-matched subsample of 9(th) and 10(th) graders (n = 4694) was used for the analyses. MEASUREMENT Alcohol consumption within the last 7 days was assessed by a beverage-specific quantity-frequency index. An individuals beverage preference was assigned for the beverage that had the highest share in total alcohol consumption. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess changes in alcohol consumption; changes in beverage preference were tested using multinomial logistic regression. FINDINGS While alcopop consumption declined after the alcopops tax was implemented, consumption of spirits increased. Changes in beverage preference revealed a decrease in alcopop preference and an increase in the preference for beer and spirits. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate a partial substitution of alcopops by spirits and a switch in preference to beverages associated with riskier drinking patterns. Effective alcohol policies to prevent alcohol-related problems should focus upon the reduction of total alcohol consumption instead of regulating singular beverages.

The Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Perceived Drunkenness: a Multilevel Cross-National Comparison in Samples of Adolescents

AIMS Alcohol consumption seems to be the best predictor of drunkenness and evidence suggests that individual and country factors influence the perception of drunkenness. This study examines if the relationship between volume of alcohol consumption and perceived drunkenness varies across European countries in samples of adolescents. METHODS Data came from the 2007 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD). The analytical sample consisted of n = 60,114 (93%) 15-16-year-old students in 24 countries reporting alcohol consumption on the last drinking occasion. At the individual level, perceived drunkenness on the last drinking occasion was measured with a 10-point scale, alcohol consumption on the last drinking occasion with a beverage-specific quantity index. Six individual characteristics were assessed and used as control variables. At the country level, a total of five country-level variables were included in the study. Data were analysed using multilevel regression models simultaneously considering both individual level (Level 1) and group (country) level (Level 2) variables. RESULTS The relationship between alcohol consumption and perceived drunkenness varied across countries. This variation could partly be explained by drinking patterns and geographical region. CONCLUSION The perception of the effects of alcohol in terms of drunkenness seems to vary across countries. Future studies should develop sound indicators of cultural differences accounting for this variation.

Has gambling changed after major amendments of gambling regulations in Germany? A propensity score analysis

Aims This study examined changes in general population gambling in the light of two major amendments of the German gambling regulation, the Fifth Amendment of the German Gambling Ordinance (AGO) for commercial amusement machines with prizes (AWP) and the State Treaty on Gambling (STG) for gambling activities subject to the state monopoly. Methods Applying cross-sectional data from the 2006 and 2009 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA), propensity-score-matched samples of 7,970 subjects and 3,624 12-month gamblers aged 18-64 years were used for analyses. Logistic regression was employed to examine changes in gambling controlling for possible confounding variables. Results Overall participation in state gambling activities, participation in lotto as well as TV lottery decreased and gambling on Internet card games increased. No changes were found for any other gambling activity, 12-month prevalence of any gambling and pathological gambling. While weekly gambling declined, overall multiple gambling increased. Effects were similar in the total sample and among current gamblers. Conclusions Prohibiting specific gambling activities, e.g., Internet gambling, seem to be insufficient approaches to change gambling behavior. Supply reduction might need to be enhanced by changes in game characteristics and implementation of early intervention measures. However, long-term consequences are uncertain and further monitoring is needed.

Verbreitung und Einflussfaktoren cannabis-bezogener Probleme bei Jugendlichen. Ergebnisse der Europäischen Schülerstudie zu Alkohol und anderen Drogen (ESPAD) in Deutschland

AIM: Aim of the present analysis is to describe the prevalence of cannabis-related problems in adolescents as well as their factors of influence. METHODS: Data from 1 933 recent cannabis users participating in the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD) were analysed. Cannabis-related problems were assessed using the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST). RESULTS: The most frequently reported problems were reproaches from family or friends and memory problems. High risk consumption was identified in 9.3% of recent cannabis users. Significant predictors were gender, cigarette consumption, other problem behaviour and friends using cannabis. CONCLUSION: The identification of persons with problematic cannabis use is important in order to offer targeted early interventions.