 |
|
Young age at first drink may affect genes and risk for alcoholism
September 21, 2009The age at which a person takes a first drink may influence genes linked to alcoholism, making the youngest drinkers the most susceptible to severe problems.
A team of researchers, led by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, studied 6,257 adult twins from Australia. They wanted to learn whether twins who start drinking at an early age are more likely to develop a more heritable form of alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking later in life. The researchers found that the younger an individual was at first drink, the greater the risk for alcohol dependence and the more prominent the role played by genetic factors.
"There seemed to be a greater genetic influence in those who took their first full drink at a younger age," says first author Arpana Agrawal, Ph.D. "That's very consistent with what has been predicted in the literature and in the classification of types of alcohol dependence, but we present a unique test of the hypothesis."
Agrawal and her colleagues examined previously collected data from identical and fraternal, male and female twins, using statistical methods to measure the extent to which age at first drink changed the role of heritable influences on symptoms of alcohol dependence. Using the twin model, they were able to tease out genetic influences, shared environmental influences and non-shared environmental factors.
Agrawal's team found that when twins started drinking early, genetic factors contributed greatly to risk for alcohol dependence, at rates as high as 90 percent in the youngest drinkers. For those who started drinking at older ages, genes explained much less, and environmental factors that make twins different from each other, such as unique life events, gained prominence.
The twins in the study were 24 to 36 years old when they were interviewed, but some reported taking their first drink as young as age 5 or 6. The researchers found that those who were 15 or younger when they started drinking tended to have a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence. Some who were 16 or older before they took their first drink later became alcohol dependent, but their dependence was related more to environmental factors.
"We don't have actual gene expression data in this study, but we could hypothesize that exposure to early-onset drinking somehow modifies the developing brain," Agrawal says. "Particularly frequent or heavy early drinking may influence gene expression and contribute to more severe outcomes. Our research cannot prove that, but it's something that neuro-imaging and gene expression studies certainly should investigate."
Another possibility is that early drinking exposes adolescents to certain environment influences, such as their peer groups, that somehow enhance genetic influences that contribute to risk for alcohol dependence.
"Something about starting to drink at an early age puts young people at risk for later problems associated with drinking," Agrawal says. "We continue to investigate the mechanisms, but encouraging youth to delay their drinking debut may help."
"Some early-onset drinkers do not develop alcohol problems and some late-onset drinkers do - we are working on why that is the case, but it is important to note that this is one risk factor among many and does not determine whether a person will, or will not, develop alcohol dependence," says Agrawal, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry. "But age at first drink is a well-known risk factor, and there have been two main hypotheses about why: One has been that common genetic and environmental factors contribute both to the risk for alcohol dependence and to the likelihood a person will be younger when consuming their first drink. A second hypothesis suggests starting to drink at a younger age exerts an influence on alcohol dependence that is independent of these shared factors. Our findings suggest there may be some truth to both hypotheses."
Agrawal says studying twins offers advantages when attempting to learn about genetic and environmental influences on alcohol dependence. Since identical twins share 100 percent of their DNA, differences in drinking behavior between a pair of twins must come from environmental factors. Similarities between identical twins tend to be influenced by genes and family environment.
"Particularly identical twins offer us the opportunity to study the perfect natural experiment of genetically identical individuals whose drinking trajectories are modified by their shared and unique life experiences," she explains. "They are important assets in the study of complex behaviors, such as alcohol consumption."
The study results will be published in the December issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, but they are available online through the journal's Early View.
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Agrawal and her colleagues examined previously collected data from identical and fraternal, male and female twins, using statistical methods to measure the extent to which age at first drink changed the role of heritable influences on symptoms of alcohol dependence. Using the twin model, they were able to tease out genetic influences, shared environmental influences and non-shared environmental factors.
Agrawal's team found that when twins started drinking early, genetic factors contributed greatly to risk for alcohol dependence, at rates as high as 90 percent in the youngest drinkers. For those who started drinking at older ages, genes explained much less, and environmental factors that make twins different from each other, such as unique life events, gained prominence.
The twins in the study were 24 to 36 years old when they were interviewed, but some reported taking their first drink as young as age 5 or 6. The researchers found that those who were 15 or younger when they started drinking tended to have a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence. Some who were 16 or older before they took their first drink later became alcohol dependent, but their dependence was related more to environmental factors.
"We don't have actual gene expression data in this study, but we could hypothesize that exposure to early-onset drinking somehow modifies the developing brain," Agrawal says. "Particularly frequent or heavy early drinking may influence gene expression and contribute to more severe outcomes. Our research cannot prove that, but it's something that neuro-imaging and gene expression studies certainly should investigate."
Another possibility is that early drinking exposes adolescents to certain environment influences, such as their peer groups, that somehow enhance genetic influences that contribute to risk for alcohol dependence.
"Something about starting to drink at an early age puts young people at risk for later problems associated with drinking," Agrawal says. "We continue to investigate the mechanisms, but encouraging youth to delay their drinking debut may help."
"Some early-onset drinkers do not develop alcohol problems and some late-onset drinkers do - we are working on why that is the case, but it is important to note that this is one risk factor among many and does not determine whether a person will, or will not, develop alcohol dependence," says Agrawal, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry. "But age at first drink is a well-known risk factor, and there have been two main hypotheses about why: One has been that common genetic and environmental factors contribute both to the risk for alcohol dependence and to the likelihood a person will be younger when consuming their first drink. A second hypothesis suggests starting to drink at a younger age exerts an influence on alcohol dependence that is independent of these shared factors. Our findings suggest there may be some truth to both hypotheses."
Agrawal says studying twins offers advantages when attempting to learn about genetic and environmental influences on alcohol dependence. Since identical twins share 100 percent of their DNA, differences in drinking behavior between a pair of twins must come from environmental factors. Similarities between identical twins tend to be influenced by genes and family environment.
"Particularly identical twins offer us the opportunity to study the perfect natural experiment of genetically identical individuals whose drinking trajectories are modified by their shared and unique life experiences," she explains. "They are important assets in the study of complex behaviors, such as alcohol consumption."
The study results will be published in the December issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, but they are available online through the journal's Early View.
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Alcohol Dependence Current Events and Alcohol Dependence News RSSChildhood risk factors for developing substance dependence
There is ample evidence for the genetic influence of alcohol dependence, and ongoing studies are actively looking for specific genes that may confer this increased susceptibility.
Common mental disorders may be more common than we think
The prevalence of anxiety, depression and substance dependency may be twice as high as the mental health community has been led to believe.
Study finds US prison system falls short in treating drug addiction
Almost a quarter of a million individuals addicted to heroin are incarcerated in the United States each year. However, many prison systems across the country still do not offer medical treatment for heroin and opiate addiction, despite the demonstrated social, medical and economic benefits of opiate replacement therapy (ORT).
Family history predicts presence and course of psychiatric disorders
A family history of depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence or drug dependence is associated with the presence of each condition and also may predict its course and prognosis.
To predict the severity of mental disease, consider the family
We've all been asked at routine visits to the doctor to record our family's history with medical problems like cancer, diabetes or heart disease. But when it comes to mental disorders, usually mum's the word.
Discovery may provide new treatments for alcohol dependence
Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, have discovered a new brain mechanism involved in alcohol addiction involving the stomach hormone ghrelin.
Site for alcohol's action in the brain discovered
lcohol's inebriating effects are familiar to everyone. But the molecular details of alcohol's impact on brain activity remain a mystery.
New gene discovery links obesity to the brain
A variation in a gene that is active in the central nervous system is associated with increased risk for obesity.
People with parents who fight are more likely to have mental health problems in later life
People with parents who were violent to each other are more likely to have mental health problems when they grow up.
Mayo clinic study finds gene bringing together animal and human research in alcoholism
An important genetic study conducted through Mayo Clinic has identified vital new information concerning alcoholism in subjects with European ancestry, according to a recent issue of Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.
More Alcohol Dependence Current Events and Alcohol Dependence News Articles
 |
Treating Alcohol Dependence: A Coping Skills Training Guide by Peter M. Monti PhD (Author), Ronald M. Kadden (Author), Damaris J. Rohsenow (Author), Ned L. Cooney PhD (Author), David B. Abrams Phd (Author) Now in a revised and expanded second edition, this book presents a straightforward, multi-session coping skills training program that has been proven effective in helping alcohol-dependent individuals. The volume provides everything needed to implement the program, including a clear theoretical and empirical rationale, step-by-step session guidelines, helpful clinical pointers, and over 40 reproducible client handouts, assessment instruments, and therapist forms. Sessions focus on developing key interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to help participants learn positive strategies for coping with the everyday demands of life and resisting the urge to drink. Updated throughout to reflect current ideas and research findings on addictive behavior change, the protocols in the second edition... |
 |
Doctor Nonas Tea Stopseen- Unique Formula, Will Help Reduce Alcohol Dependence,reguvinate and Cleanse Your Body. Pack Contains 24 Bags. Serving Size: 8oz (240 Ml) by Doctor Nona Doctor Nonas all natural herbal tea Stopseen specifically formulated to help reduce alcohol dependence, hangover duration and remove toxins and cleansing your body. In addition Stopseen contains natural antioxidants from Dead Sea,that help reduce free radicals damage from alcohol consumption. Retail Price $ 42.00 Sale Price $ 38.95 Special Offers and Product Promotions With order for $ 100.00 you will get absolutely FREE Doctor Nona Bag. (Retail $ 12.95) Please specify color you like. |
 |
(addictions) Treating Alcohol Dependence: A Coping Skills Training Guide, 2nd Edition, (ISBN 1572307935), by P. Monti, R. Kadden, D. Rohsenow, N. Cooney, & D. Abrams (10 CE Credits or 10 CME Credits only, book not included) by Red Toad Road Company TRAINING OBJECTIVES are to learn the following: The theoretical rationale for CBT coping skills training, the empirical support for coping skills training, the interpersonal skills taught in coping skills training, the intrapersonal skills taught in coping skills training, how to use Cue Exposure Treatment. .......................... CE/CME CREDITS ONLY: Please note that you must already have access to the training material (book, etc.) for this CE/CME course to purchase the CE/CME packet (CE/CME credits, test, training objectives rating form) by itself. If you do not already have access, then purchase the training material together with the CE/CME packet by searching for the combination (training material + CE/CME packet) by browsing under the title of the training material in the RTR... |
 |
Alcohol Dependence Lifeline Audio Books (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Eating Disorders: What's Eating Our Society? Also With: Brent R. Coyle (Producer), M.D. (Producer) Our society's obsession with food is killing us. From anorexia to bulimia to compulsive eating leading to obesity, it seems we are contradictorily eating or starving ourselves to death. Our conflict is evident even in our habits as consumers such that cookbooks and diet books alike routinely top the sales charts. To address this deadly dilemma, our introductory video explores primary issues associated with the full range of eating disorders. Dr. Coyle links this broad information about eating disorders to often over-looked issues of Self Esteem and Goal Setting as well as Addictions and Diet and Exercise. It is strongly suggested that this selection be used with the "Self-Esteem and Goal Setting (SEGS)" track. If the "SEGS" is not owned, we would suggest either the combination of... |
 |
7 Weeks to Safe Social Drinking: How to Effectively Moderate Your Alcohol Intake by Donna J Cornett (Author) Drink less, crave less and nip your problem drinking in the bud with the easy Drink/Link Moderate Drinking Program in this book! Drink/Link has helped thousands of drinkers worldwide to control drinking and prevent alcoholism since 1988. Over 80% of the drinkers who have completed this program have either cut their drinking in half or significantly reduced it! No meetings, drugs, belief in a higher power or professional help are required for you to succeed. First, you learn five healthy drinking guidelines. Then you're given clinically-proven strategies and techniques to help you stay within those guidelines. You'll learn to manage alcohol craving, how to slow down and pace your drinking, pre-plan for drinking occasions, learn from you slips and resolve issues that drive you to... |
|
|
(addictions) TREATING ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE, A COPING SKILLS TRAINING GUIDE, 2ND EDITION (Book + 10 CE Credits or 10 CME Credits) ISBN 1572307935 by P. Monti, R. Kadden, D. Rohsenow, N. Cooney, and D. Abrams (continuing education, psychology, social work, psychiatry, evidence based practice) by Red Toad Road Company TRAINING OBJECTIVES are to learn the following: The theoretical rationale for CBT coping skills training, the empirical support for coping skills training, the interpersonal skills taught in coping skills training, the intrapersonal skills taught in coping skills training, how to use Cue Exposure Treatment. .......................... DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to train mental health professionals to treat addictions and the dually diagnosed using a cognitive-behavioral coping skills training approach. The coping skills are taught in a highly structured 12-session format that focuses on interpersonal skills (e.g., assertiveness, conversational skills), intrapersonal skills (e.g., managing urges to drink, increasing pleasant activities), and Cue Exposure Therapy (CET). Clients... |
 |
Treatment Approaches for Alcohol and Drug Dependence: An Introductory Guide by Tracey J. Jarvis (Author), Jenny Tebbutt (Author), Richard P. Mattick (Author), Fiona Shand (Author), Nick Heather (Foreword) The first edition of this book was based upon the recommendations of the Quality Assurance in the Treatment of Drug Dependence Project, and provided a step-by-step-guide for therapists working with clients with alcohol or other drug dependency or misuse. Since publication in 1995 it has become well known for its easy-to-read style and wealth of practical resource materials. However, the evidence in the field has moved forward in the last eight years, creating a need for an updated edition. Retaining the trademark easy-to-use, up-to-date style, the Second Edition offers new chapters on pharmacotherapies, case management, young people, and dual diagnosis. Other chapters have been updated to reflect the latest research findings and current practice, and the practice sheets and client... |
 |
Alcohol Dependence Chart by American 3B Scientific Alcohol Dependence Chart Alcohol Dependence ChartThis thickly laminated anatomical chart is printed on premium glossy (200 g) UV resistant paper and comes with 2 sided lamination (125 micron, 5.0 Mil) and metal eyelets to make the chart easy to display. It comes in a convenient poster size 50 x 67 cm (20x26’’) and can be written on and wiped off with non permenant markers. The 125 micron lamination ensures the chart does not curl up at the edges and the UV treament ensures the chart does not get a faded yellow color over time.Measurements:50 x 67 cm Weight: 0,15 kg Product photo may not exactly match the product offered for sale. Please refer to the product description. |
|
|
Medical Implications of Alcohol Dependence Lifeline Audio Books (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |