Research reveals that prenatal alcohol exposure can cause slower processing speeds and arousal-regulation problems as early as infancy. Infants of mothers who consumed large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy showed higher levels of behavioral arousal but responded more slowly to stimuli.
A study found that even light to moderate drinking during pregnancy may cause learning and memory difficulties in adolescents. Researchers assessed 580 children and their mothers, and discovered an association between low levels of alcohol consumption and subtle difficulties with verbal/auditory abilities at 14 years old.
Research finds that childhood abuse is a significant predictor of comorbid anxiety disorders, including social phobia, agoraphobia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among adult alcoholics. This study highlights the importance of assessing childhood trauma in evaluating and treating alcoholic patients.
Researchers have found that genetic variations can affect an individual's response to alcohol, with some genes contributing to increased sensitivity and others to tolerance. The study suggests that understanding these biological markers can help develop new treatments for alcohol dependence.
Research found brief, in-person interventions are best for hazardous drinkers under 24. Computerized approaches with individualized feedback also show promise for college students. These methods can be delivered through electronic means, addressing barriers such as distance and fear of judgment.
Recent studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be effective in treating social anxiety in alcohol-dependent individuals, particularly those with severe depression. Additionally, anticonvulsants like sodium valproate and atypical antipsychotics like clozapine show promise in reducing alcohol use among bi...
A study found that adolescent rodents experience less anxiety and recover faster from a hangover than adult rodents. In contrast, adolescents tend to drink more in social situations due to the lack of aversive effects, which may lead to dependency.
Researchers discovered that rats bred to prefer alcohol were healthier and lived longer than those bred to avoid it, regardless of drinking habits. The study found that genetic factors, rather than alcohol consumption itself, contributed to the longevity difference.
A study found that genetic variation can influence motivation to drink alcohol, particularly to alleviate social anxiety and improve mood. This can lead to enhanced behaviors that increase the risk for alcoholism. The study suggests a link between genetic factors and drinking motives, providing insight into the biology of alcoholism.
Researchers have identified a consistent association between alcohol dependence and the GABRG3 gene, which may suggest a genetic predisposition to increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study found that this gene plays a role in influencing the risk for alcoholism by altering brain state and circuit activity.
Researchers found that a compound blocking NPY activity delays alcohol self-administration and reduces rewarding effects of alcohol in mice. This study suggests L-152,804 has potential as a treatment for alcoholism.
A study found that behavioral anger contributes the most to alcohol-related aggression among men and women. Researchers examined healthy social drinkers and found that those with higher behavioral and cognitive anger scores were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior when intoxicated. The findings suggest that understanding the rel...
A study found that individuals with high levels of social anxiety use alcohol more often to relieve social discomfort and avoid social situations without alcohol. They experience greater relief from anxiety in social situations, but not full relief, suggesting a self-medication strategy that may lead to increased risk of alcoholism.
A study found that individuals with co-existing alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder exhibit reduced responsiveness to aversive stimuli, including unpleasant photographs. This hyporesponsivity may facilitate maladaptive behavior and increase vulnerability to problems like criminality and substance abuse.
A study suggests that college students overestimate the amount of fluid needed for a standard drink, leading to significantly higher actual consumption. This could underestimate actual drinking levels on college campuses, exacerbating alcohol misuse issues.
Researchers found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to prefer sweet tastes than those without. This preference precedes the development of alcoholism and may serve as a marker for genetic risk. The study suggests that a simple test to assess sweet preference could help identify individuals at risk ear...
A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that alcohol dependence is a concern in American Indian communities, but rates are lower than previously reported. The research highlights cultural differences in alcohol use and dependence among Northern Plains and Southwest tribes.
Research shows that moderate white wine consumption after meals can significantly decrease insulin levels, potentially leading to serious health consequences. The study suggests that drinking white wine alone may activate a new energy system in the human body, influencing glucose production and usage.
A study found that repeated alcohol detoxifications are associated with increased impairment of cognitive function, specifically frontal-lobe damage. Patients with two or more previous withdrawals performed worse than those with fewer or no experiences in tasks requiring attention and executive function.
Researchers identified a distinct phenotype of individuals with co-existing ADHD and alcoholism, characterized by increased severity of alcohol dependence and earlier age of onset. Adults with ADHD were found to be at high risk of developing an alcohol-use disorder, with a significantly higher daily intake of alcohol.
A study found that alcohol's reinforcing properties in rodent infants are due to its pharmacological effects, independent of smell or taste. This suggests that animals and people may find alcohol rewarding for the same reasons throughout their development, with implications for human brain development and behavior.
Researchers found that adolescent binge drinking leads to tolerance in various biological functions, including altered liver function and brain function. This tolerance can last into adulthood, highlighting the importance of studying its effects during adolescence.
A study found that chronic drinking elevates cortisol levels both during intoxication and withdrawal, impacting overall health. Elevated cortisol is also associated with increased risk of medical and psychiatric problems such as diabetes and cognitive deficits.
A study found that chronic alcoholism can cause damage to both the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, leading to deficits in executive functioning and balance. The research suggests that lesions in the frontocerebellar circuitry may compound their effects on these functions.
Research confirms that female alcoholics experience more severe cardiovascular effects from heavy drinking than male counterparts, with these effects emerging sooner and at lower consumption levels. This phenomenon, known as 'telescoping,' highlights the need for women to be aware of their increased risk of heart disease due to alcohol...
A longitudinal study found black and Hispanic couples are two to three times more likely to report partner violence than white couples, even after controlling for socio-demographic and psychosocial variables. The study identified ethnic differences in risk factors for partner violence.
A study examines ethnic differences among adolescents who engage in drinking after driving (DD) and riding with drinking drivers (RWDD), finding a distinct need to direct prevention efforts toward Latino youth. RWDD is identified as even more dangerous than DD for adolescents.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics experience persistent sleep disruptions for many months after quitting drinking, with problems with sleep onset being worse than sleep maintenance. Many former alcoholics reported pre-existing sleep problems that predated their alcohol dependence.
A recent study found an association between the DdeI polymorphism of the DRD1 gene and sensation seeking among alcoholic males. The research suggests that genetic factors, such as this specific dopamine receptor gene, may play a role in understanding the complex disorder of alcoholism.
A study found that individuals with lower educational attainment experienced poorer drinking outcomes following alcohol treatment, including a shorter time to relapse. The researchers suggest that future studies address issues related to matching patients to optimal treatments.
A study has identified three chromosomal regions that appear to hold genes affecting low response to alcohol. This research may lead to a better understanding of how genes contribute to alcohol dependence and help develop new treatments.
A study found that doctors and mental-health professionals often fail to address alcohol consumption during visits, even when patients have multiple health or social problems. This missed opportunity can lead to inadequate treatment referrals and counseling.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that middle-aged and older alcoholics are at greater risk for suicide than young alcoholic adults. The researchers also discovered an association between increased age, mood disorders, and medically serious suicide attempts.
A study found that individuals with a positive paternal history of alcoholism prefer less salty and sour solutions, indicating unique taste characteristics that may contribute to protection against alcoholism. Researchers suggest that altered taste sensitivity may also play a role in the development of alcoholism risk.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine replacement therapy works as well for smokers with long-term sobriety as it does for smokers without a history of alcoholism. In fact, most smokers with past alcoholism (85%) can quit smoking without difficulty and benefit from nicotine-patch treatment.
Researchers found that alcohol increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in individuals who tend to express their anger outwardly, such as through verbal or physical aggression. This association is significant and highlights the importance of understanding emotions and regulation in relation to drinking and aggressive behavior.
Researchers found that executive cognitive functioning is more impaired during the descending limb of the blood alcohol concentration curve, when people no longer feel stimulated by alcohol. This effect lasts much longer than previously believed, with significant ramifications for behaviors like driving and aggression.
HIV-infected individuals with a history of alcohol problems who consume moderate or at-risk amounts of alcohol have higher viral loads and lower CD4 cell counts compared to non-drinkers. Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to increased disease progression, nonadherence to treatment, and worsened comorbid conditions.
A new study found that mecamylamine, a central nicotinic receptor antagonist, reduces the self-reported stimulant and euphoric effects of alcohol in humans. The study also decreased desire to drink more, providing evidence for its potential as an anti-alcohol reinforcement treatment.
A new study found that chronic alcohol abuse can cause severe and persistent alterations in hormone levels regulating electrolyte and water balance. After 280 days of strict abstinence, researchers found suppressed AVP levels and elevated ANP levels, indicating long-lasting damage to the body's homeostatic systems.
A recent study found that alcohol use can exacerbate injury severity in motor vehicle crashes, increasing the risk of bleeding, heart problems, and organ damage. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should take an active role in preventing alcohol use where there is risk of injury.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure of less than one drink per day can impair executive functioning (EF) in early childhood, including working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. Children exposed prenatally to alcohol had difficulty following rules and performing tasks that required inhibition.
Chronic alcoholism damages the cerebellum and frontal lobes, leading to motor deficits that persist even after long-term abstinence. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals that alcoholics' brains compensate for damage by recruiting new brain regions to perform simple tasks.
A study found that heavy drinkers with fragmentary blackouts misremember drinking experiences while expecting positive outcomes. This phenomenon can contribute to problem drinking by reinforcing distorted beliefs about alcohol's effects.
A new study finds that ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a highly effective and sensitive marker of recent alcohol use, detecting consumption up to 80 hours after complete elimination. The marker helps identify patients who have lapsed or relapsed in treatment, ensuring they are alcohol-free for work and other activities.
Researchers found that alcohol consumption increased host susceptibility to SIV/HIV infection by increasing infectivity of cells and lymphocyte turnover. The study suggests that chronic or binge alcohol consumption may contribute to the risk of HIV infection, particularly through behavioral factors.
Researchers found neighborhood density and server characteristics impact alcohol sales to minors and intoxicated individuals. Higher Hispanic population neighborhoods had higher rates of alcohol sales.
Research highlights the strong association between gambling disorders (GDs) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs), suggesting therapy should focus on breaking unconscious associations between winning and drinking. Co-therapy may lead to better outcomes for GDs, particularly among those with AUDs.
Research highlights the association between drinking and physical aggression, finding that heavy drinking increases the risk of domestic violence by eight times. Effective prevention and treatment interventions require understanding the link between alcohol and IPV, particularly among minority groups.
Researcher Tammy Chung highlights findings from four studies tracking adolescents with alcohol problems after treatment. These studies found that at least half of treated teens showed reductions in alcohol use and problems, while some continued to experience issues through young adulthood.