A study found that socially anxious youth in treatment who participated in low-intensity service activities during AA meetings had better outcomes and higher abstinence rates. This approach helped them tolerate interpersonal differences and uncomfortable feelings, developing emotional maturity and self-acceptance.
A new study finds that simultaneous marijuana and alcohol users have double the odds of drunk driving, social consequences, and harms to self compared to those who use either substance alone. The research also reveals that concurrent users tend to have heavier drinking patterns.
Researchers found that chronic drinking is associated with higher CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala (AMG), particularly in the AMG. This could lead to interactions between metabolism of drugs and endogenous substrates, altering drug response and brain physiology.
A large-scale genome-wide association study found that men whose fathers had liver disease are more likely to develop alcoholic cirrhosis. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that genetic factors may play a role in this increased risk.
Genetic effects on amount of alcohol use are greater in low SES conditions, while shared environmental effects increase in high-SES conditions. This study suggests that individual differences in drinking vary by level of SES.
A longitudinal study found that young drinkers select drinking contexts based on demographics, psychosocial characteristics, and drinking frequency. Over time, certain places become more or less popular among youths, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to address specific groups.
A recent study of YouTube videos involving alcohol intoxication found that these videos often juxtapose intoxication with humor and attractiveness, but rarely depict negative clinical outcomes. The videos frequently feature male characters, liquor brands, and positive sentiment, while less common are depictions of negative consequences.
A new study found that lower IQ is associated with greater and riskier drinking among young adult men in Sweden. Intelligence may come before behavior, and poor performance on IQ tests may be linked to other disadvantages.
A new study found that Hispanics are more likely to develop alcoholic liver disease at a younger age than Caucasians, and are also more frequently obese and diabetic. Ethnicity is a major factor in the severity of different subtypes of ALD.
A new study found that adolescents who experience sleep difficulties and insufficient sleep are more likely to develop binge drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and risky sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from over 6,500 teenagers and found a strong link between poor sleep habits and substance-related problems.
Pre-sleep drinking causes initial increase in slow wave sleep power but also increases frontal alpha power, disrupting normal sleep properties. This can lead to detrimental effects on daytime functioning and neurocognitive processes.
A new study found that both genetic and environmental factors influence the correlation between an individual's own drinking and their peers' drinking behaviors. Genetic factors play a more significant role in adulthood, while environmental factors dominate adolescent behavior.
A new study found that American states with higher levels of law enforcement efforts, such as traffic stops and DUI arrests, experienced lower rates of drinking and driving. The study examined data from the National Roadside Survey and found a significant association between these measures and impaired driving prevalence.
A new study identified different trajectories of alcohol-related blackouts (ARBs) in adolescents aged 15-19, finding that certain characteristics increase the likelihood of blackouts. The researchers recommend educating teens about the dangers of blackouts to modify their behaviors and prevent dangerous consequences.
A study in Victoria, Australia found that towns with lower average incomes have a higher density of alcohol outlets, exposing residents to increased risk. This is consistent with retail market dynamics and the flow of populations between towns.
Researchers suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists may be effective in treating alcohol dependence. The study found that PPARα or PPARγ agonists, such as fenofibrate, reduced alcohol intake and preference in mice, indicating potential for repurposing these drugs for human treatment.
A study found that youths with a family history of substance use disorders have impaired forebrain function, which may contribute to their increased risk of developing substance-use disorders. Forebrain regions responsible for decision-making and impulse control showed less efficient activity in those with a family history.
Researchers found reduced white matter tracts in abstinent alcoholics compared to healthy light drinkers. Chronic drinking may particularly damage frontal white matter tracts, interfering with cognitive and inhibitory control.
A study found that childhood adversity negates the protective effects of a specific gene variant on heavy alcohol consumption and symptoms of problem drinking. The research used data from European-American men, highlighting the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in understanding alcohol use disorders.
A new study found that smoking status significantly influences neurocognitive recovery in treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent individuals. Active-smoking ALC showed poorer recovery than never-smoking ALC on measures of learning and processing speed, while former-smoking ALC recovered less than never-smoking ALC on processing speed meas...
A study found that bar attendance is strongly linked to higher drinking among US border youth, while liberal social cognitions were not a significant factor. Researchers suggest that policy initiatives targeting bars and controlling access to alcohol could help reduce elevated drinking in the region.
A new study has identified high levels of drinking among low-income older adults, with spikes in consumption around social security check dates. The study used a novel approach involving bogus recycling bins to assess alcohol consumption and found that medical conditions like diabetes may reduce drinking rates.
A new study examines changes in alcohol use among women with unwanted pregnancies and finds that most quit or reduce consumption upon discovery. However, some may substitute alcohol for drugs. The study's results highlight the need for interventions to help these women reduce their drinking while pregnant.
A new study found that increases in state cigarette prices and restrictions on indoor smoking lead to decreases in beer and spirits consumption, but not wine. People who prefer beer or liquor are more likely to be smokers, suggesting a link between tobacco and alcohol use.
A new study reveals that genetic variations in taste receptors influence intensity perceptions of alcohol-related sensations. Researchers found that individuals with different versions of bitter and burn receptor genes experience varying levels of bitterness and burning sensations when consuming alcohol.
A study found that peer drinking reduces the protective effects of an ADH1B gene variant in adolescents, leading to increased risk of drinking milestones. The study analyzed data from 1,550 European and African-American individuals who consumed alcohol before age 18.
A study found that early age of first drink and quick progression to intoxication are associated with high school student alcohol use and binge drinking. The research suggests that teenagers who start drinking at an early age tend to drink more heavily and engage in binge drinking.
Chronic drinking is associated with a reduced CD8 T cell response to the influenza virus, leading to increased disease severity. However, some effector functions of CD8 T cells remain intact, suggesting that alcohol may have distinct effects on the immune system.
A new study finds that children's sipping or tasting of alcohol is more closely related to perceived parental approval than psychosocial proneness for problem behavior. This suggests that early exposure to alcohol may not necessarily lead to later problem behaviors, but rather be a result of familial cultural norms.
A study examining body mass index (BMI) in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) found elevated rates of excess weight and obesity in those with partial fetal alcohol syndrome. Females were at a greater risk for obesity/overweight than males during adolescence.
A study of Finnish twins found that adolescent drinking problems were strongly associated with adverse outcomes in early adulthood, including substance abuse, poor health, and relationship problems. The researchers controlled for genetic and environmental factors to isolate the causal effect of adolescent drinking on adult outcomes.
A new national study examines campus police/security responses to serious, underage, and less-serious alcohol incidents on and off college campuses. The study found that campus security or law enforcement officials rarely issue citations for alcohol-law violations, instead referring students to discipline or sanctions from other univer...
New research suggests that combining energy drinks with alcohol can increase the urge to keep drinking. Study participants who consumed A+EDs had higher ratings of liking and wanting to drink more than those in an alcohol-only condition. The findings highlight concerns about energy drink consumption among young adults.
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol services utilization among women, with Latina and Black women showing lower rates of treatment. This disparity highlights the need for targeted outreach programs to address the unique needs of female minority drinkers.
A new Australian study reveals that individuals who consume energy drinks with alcohol are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as aggression, violence, and injury. Hedonistic motives related to pleasure and sensation are highly implicated in A+ED consumption.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence exhibit pronounced executive control deficits, which are strongly correlated with duration of addiction and number of detoxification treatments. Executive control networks were impaired, while alerting and orienting networks showed preserved functioning.
A new study finds that immigration before adolescence can lead to risky behavior, but cultural values are less solidified. Hispanic immigrants have lower rates of alcohol- and drug-related problems than U.S.-born counterparts.
Researchers found strong associations between liking, owning, and identifying music containing alcohol branding and early problematic alcohol outcomes. The study suggests policy or educational interventions to reduce the impact of these exposures.
A study found that chronic cigarette smoking impairs postural stability in individuals with alcohol use disorders, even during sobriety. Non-smoking AD individuals improved on a measure of postural stability over eight months, while smoking AD individuals showed no significant improvement.
A new international study reveals that people in high- and middle-income countries are more likely to drink heavily if they have access to cheap, off-premise alcohol. The study found that heavy drinkers tend to buy cheaper alcohol from off-premise outlets and purchase it at later times.
A study found that 90% of bar aggression involves male initiators and female targets, often due to intoxication levels of the target rather than the aggressor. The findings suggest a culture where intoxicated women are perceived as easier or more blameworthy targets.
A new study investigates whether a hangover can delay or hasten subsequent drinking, finding minimal effect on the timing of drinks. Researchers suggest alternative hypotheses linking hangovers and alcoholism, such as increased risk factors for losing control over drinking.
A new study found that binge drinking among older moderate drinkers significantly increases mortality risk compared to regular moderate drinkers. The study highlights the importance of focusing on drinking patterns and absolute amounts of ethanol consumed as predictors of health outcomes.
A study found that medication and individual psychotherapy are effective treatments for alcohol dependence, particularly when patients commit to the treatment. The stepped-care approach, which escalates services as needed, also showed promise in reducing heavy drinking and relapse rates.
Research finds severe economic loss during recession increases drunkenness and alcohol problems in men and middle-aged Americans. Men and those aged 30-49 show most adverse effects of economic loss on drinking patterns.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of college students used false IDs to purchase alcohol, leading to more frequent drinking and increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders. The study also identified several predictors of false ID use frequency, including younger age at first drink and higher levels of sensation-seeking.
A study of Danish high-school parties found that low to moderate alcohol consumption increases cheerfulness in girls and boys. However, extensive drinking leads to decreased cheerfulness among girls, while excessive drinking increases focus distraction in both genders. The study challenges the idea that most adolescents drink excessively.
A new study found that different trajectories of adolescent drinking are influenced by gene-parenting interactions, specifically the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) genotype and parental rule-setting. The study suggests that strict parental rules can prevent youth from drinking more alcohol.
A new study compared individuals' perceptions of driving danger while sober and intoxicated, finding that sober knowledge does not guarantee responsible judgment. The research suggests that people may apply their sober knowledge to a hypothetical situation but struggle to apply it in real-life situations when impaired by alcohol.
A study found that young adult individuals with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders, referred to as dual diagnosis (DD), show similar benefits compared to those diagnosed only with a substance use disorder. Despite worse abstinence rates, DD patients who actively participate in 12-step programs experience benefits.