A study found that establishments with monthly staff meetings were less likely to serve intoxicated customers, while those with inexperienced managers were more likely to do so. This has implications for alcohol control policies and the importance of regular staff training.
A longitudinal study in California found that areas with more bars and off-premise establishments have higher rates of violent assaults. The researchers used hospital discharge data to control for reporting biases and found independent relationships between outlet density and violence rates.
Researchers found that certain fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in meconium are indicative of fetal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. The presence of these biomarkers was significantly higher in infants exposed to alcohol, suggesting potential as a reliable indicator of fetal alcohol effects.
Research found that novelty seeking personality trait amplifies risk associated with parental alcoholism, while low novelty seeking may diminish it. The study analyzed data from 1,111 adult siblings and established diagnoses of alcohol dependence and personality scores for parents.
A study found that light-to-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with lower IQs in offspring at 10 years of age. The effects were worse for African-American children, and a second trimester drinking pattern had the most significant impact on intellectual functioning.
A recent study by Duke University Medical Center and the University of California, San Diego found that a significant minority of college students consume excessive amounts of alcohol, often beyond the binge-drinking threshold. The study suggests that shifting focus towards these heavy drinkers could help reduce harm caused by alcohol ...
A recent study found that women of child-bearing age in the US are still at risk of heavy drinking, with 4% pregnant at the time of the interview. The study also highlights the issue of unplanned pregnancies and the need for information campaigns targeting alcohol consumption among young women.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence without PTSD exhibit a disconnect between emotional distress and biological stress response to stress tests. They are more likely to relapse during the follow-up period due to this disruption.
A study found that both alcoholism and chronic smoking alter gene expression in the human prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, fear, and emotion. This suggests a common underlying mechanism for addiction and may lead to therapeutic solutions or pharmaceuticals.
A study by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism who exhibit behavioral disinhibition are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. This group shows working-memory deficits and an attraction to reward-taking challenges.
Research suggests that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to long-lasting alterations in the ability to synchronize circadian rhythms with environmental cues. This can result in behavioral problems, such as sleep disorders, attention issues, and mood regulation difficulties. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ...
A study found that American Indians with alcohol abuse or dependence have significantly higher rates of medical conditions, including sprains, hearing problems, and kidney issues. The researchers also noted that the total count of medical conditions is related to the severity of alcohol use.
Researchers found that combining alcohol with energy drinks like Red Bull significantly reduced perceived symptoms of impairment, including fatigue and dizziness. However, objective measures of motor coordination and reaction time remained impaired, highlighting the need for caution when consuming both substances.
Researchers found that individuals with Korsakoff Syndrome retain visual learning ability despite explicit memory impairment. Visuoperceptual learning, a component of implicit memory, was shown to be preserved in KS patients.
A recent study found that additive genetic factors contribute to variation in alcohol consumption among rhesus monkeys, accounting for 20% of total variation. Environmental effects are also significant, with mother-reared animals drinking significantly less than others.
A study found that over half of Russian 'Baby Home' residents have features consistent with prenatal alcohol exposure, highlighting the need for screening and interventions. The research aimed to provide supporting information for developmental stimulation and support programs.
A study found that genetic variants in the COMT gene, Val158Met, are associated with different drinking patterns and comorbidity among Plains American Indians. The Met allele was protective against alcoholism, while the Val allele was a risk factor for smoking, particularly in women.
Research suggests that chronic drinking and smoking both lead to significant brain structural abnormalities, including reduced gray matter and neuronal injury. Chronic smoking may also hinder recovery during abstinence from alcohol, leading to impaired cognitive function.
Daughters of alcoholics exhibit distinct risk factors, with behavioral undercontrol being a strong mediator for both genders. Gender-specific differences are observed in behavior and the impact of parental alcoholism history, particularly for women.
Research highlights insulin, BDNF, and GDNF as critical growth factors regulating alcohol's effects, including intoxication sensitivity and consumption behaviors. The study suggests these factors have potential applications in treating alcohol addiction.
Research shows female rats less sensitive to sedating effects of alcohol, cycling hormonal levels mediate effects; adult women may become less sensitive to sedation as they mature. The study emphasizes the need to explore how factors associated with the estrous cycle affect sex differences in alcohol's effects.
A nine-year study found that alcohol deterrents can help patients achieve long-term abstinence, with an abstinence rate of over 50 percent. The study suggests that the psychological role of ADs plays a key role in relapse prevention and maintenance of abstinence.
A study found that across-the-board price increases may not lead to a decrease in alcohol sales. Instead, individuals tend to switch to cheaper alternatives, potentially increasing overall consumption. The research highlights the importance of considering consumer choice and beverage quality when implementing policy interventions.
A recent study found that Latina women who are highly acculturated to American society tend to drink more than those who are not. Acculturation is also associated with changes in drinking norms and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce consumption.
Researchers identified chromosome four genes affecting drinking behaviors in smokers, providing evidence for genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption. The study suggests that variations in these genes may affect who will develop regular drinking behavior after initial exposure.
Chronic alcohol abuse can disrupt the balance of bone remodeling, leading to measurable bone loss over a few years. Alcohol-induced bone disease weakens bones and predisposes individuals to increased fracture risk and delayed fracture healing due to decreased osteoblast activity.
A study found that young adults who did not attend college have high levels of hazardous alcohol use, similar to those of their college-educated peers. Men with a college degree experienced the greatest increase in at-risk drinking, while women with no formal education had the highest levels of consumption and drunkenness.
A recent study found that low-income pregnant Latinas are at risk of early-pregnancy drinking and related effects, contrary to stereotypes. The study, which analyzed drinking behavior among 100 pregnant women, suggests that cultural values and language barriers may contribute to this risk.
Researchers found a potential link between chromosome 10 and low response to alcohol (LR) in young adults, particularly those with a family history of alcoholism. The KCNMA1 gene was identified as a key player in controlling the intensity of alcohol effects on potassium flow.
Research finds that individuals with a family history of alcoholism exhibit a dysfunctional stress response prior to developing alcohol dependence, while those without a family history experience a decline after developing alcohol dependence. Low-dose alcohol consumption blocks the response to stress in both high- and low-risk groups.
A recent study found considerable variation in drink size, particularly for spirits and wine, which can affect individuals' ability to track their alcohol consumption. The study suggests that using a single standard drink size of 0.6 ounces may be helpful for simplifying messages about safe drinking limits.
A study found that child and environmental factors are stronger predictors of early alcohol experimentation in late childhood, rather than family history. This is associated with increased rates of psychiatric disorders, poor physical health, and criminal behavior in adulthood.
Research indicates that involvement in both AA and treatment leads to improved psychosocial outcomes, including higher rates of abstinence and remission. Long-term participation in AA is also associated with better social functioning and self-efficacy.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that moderate drinking is associated with lower levels of stickiness in platelets, which can lead to fewer blood clots. The research, conducted on over 1,000 participants, suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may have a protective effect against cardiovascula...
Researchers analyzed surrogate alcohols consumed by Russian men, finding high ethanol content or toxic contaminants. These products, including home-made spirits and medicinal tinctures, contribute to Russia's high death rate due to accidents, violence, and cardiovascular deaths.
A recent study found that long-term alcoholics are at a four-fold higher rate of postoperative infections, as well as increased length of need for mechanical ventilation and ICU treatment. The study suggests that pre- and perioperative immune-modulating treatments may help decrease infection rates in high-risk patients.
Researchers found that college students accurately report their alcohol consumption, contradicting previous laboratory studies suggesting they underreport. This suggests that the drinking problem remains significant, but data collection methods may need to be reevaluated.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that adolescents and young adults with AUDs have a smaller prefrontal cortex, which is associated with early-onset drinking. This may lead to difficulties in inhibiting urges, delaying gratification, and thinking clearly about the consequences of actions.
A study found that suicidal patients treated in inpatient settings had better substance-related outcomes than those treated in outpatient settings, but not better psychiatric symptoms. This suggests that inpatient treatment is beneficial for certain populations with SUDs.
Alcohol intake can alter circadian rhythms, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and immune function. Disruptions to the 'biological clock' within the body may result in 'physiological anarchy,' with widespread pathology.
Co-occurring anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia and panic disorder, increase the risk of relapse to drinking. Screening for these conditions is essential in alcoholism treatment settings.
A recent study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to slower processing speed and efficiency, particularly in tasks requiring working memory. Children exposed prenatally to moderate-to-heavy levels of alcohol may struggle with complex cognition and social interactions as they age.
The study found that gamblers and alcoholics have unique personality traits affecting their cravings, with gambling craving linked to positive emotions and alcohol craving tied to negative emotions. The research suggests that individuals with distinct emotional regulation patterns are more vulnerable to addiction.
Researchers emphasize the need for early detection and monitoring of alcohol abuse to prevent dependence issues. Emerging biomarkers, such as genetic analysis, hold promise for accurate diagnosis and treatment compliance.
A new 24-item scale measures the continuum of alcohol problems in college students, providing excellent distributional properties and retaining meaningful variance. The scale is brief, efficient, and suitable for self-assessment, surveillance, and treatment-needs change measure.
Research on the genetics of alcohol use has identified polymorphisms in ADH and ALDH enzymes that may explain individual differences in alcohol metabolism, as well as chromosomal regions linked to suicidal behavior, conduct disorder symptoms, and alcohol dependence. Additionally, serotonin receptor variations have been found to play a ...
This study investigates the effects of alcohol on brain structure and function, highlighting permanent and transient changes due to excessive drinking. Abstinence has been shown to reverse some brain damage, including dendrite shrinkage, which may improve cognitive functions.
Research finds hazardous drinkers and drug users have higher rates of injuries, hypertension, and depression compared to those with less severe problems. Screening for these issues can help prevent worsening of problems and improve overall health.
Research suggests that drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in newborns, with excessive alcohol use increasing the risk by more than three times. Maternal smoking also increases the risk of infection, and concurrent abuse of both alcohol and smoking may have synergistic effects.
A new study found that even short-term chronic alcohol consumption can lead to long-lasting cognitive deficits in mice. Researchers fed mice an alcohol or sucrose diet for eight weeks, followed by a three-week withdrawal period, and found that learning and memory tests showed deficits in all types of tasks.