A new NIH-funded study found a significant treatment gap for individuals with both hepatitis C and alcohol use disorder, highlighting the need for better care coordination. Researchers analyzed data from over 133,000 veterans and found that those with AUD were less likely to receive direct-acting antiviral treatment for HCV.
A new study has found that a medication typically used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure may also reduce alcohol consumption in humans. The study's findings support further research into spironolactone as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder, which affects millions of people in the US.
A new study finds that children born to mothers who both drank and smoked beyond the first trimester of pregnancy have a 12-fold increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study also shows that prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly from heavy drinking during pregnancy, can increase SIDS risk.
Dr. Carlo C. DiClemente, an internationally renowned scientist, will deliver the 11th Annual Jack Mendelson Honorary Lecture at the NIH. His presentation focuses on the necessity of relapse and recycling in recovery from alcohol use disorder using the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change.
A new clinical research study shows that increasing the intensity of treatment for alcohol use disorder among people with HIV improves both HIV-related disease measures and alcohol-related outcomes. Integrated stepped alcohol treatment (ISAT) involves consecutive steps of increased AUD treatment intensity.
Dr. Geoffrey K. Mumford received the Senator Harold Hughes Memorial Award for his work in promoting evidence-based findings and improving prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorders. His efforts have bridged communities across the field, fostering a stronger connection between research and policy.
A new study found that losing one night of sleep led to an increase in beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that participants with larger increases in beta-amyloid reported worse mood after sleep deprivation.
A new study of over 6,000 first-graders across four US communities has found a significant number of children have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), with conservative rates ranging from 1 to 5 percent. FASD is an umbrella term for health effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator offers a comprehensive strategy to help individuals search for professionally-led, evidence-based treatment. The navigator guides users through a step-by-step process to find qualified treatment providers, taking into account individual needs and preferences.
The new guidelines provide a more precise definition of documented prenatal alcohol exposure and offer guidance on evaluating facial and physical deformities characteristic of FASD. The updated criteria aim to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and lead to early intervention for affected children.
A study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nonmedical prescription opioid use more than doubled among US adults from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013, affecting nearly 10 million Americans. This increase is linked to a substantial rise in opioid use disorder, with symptoms such as tolerance, withdrawal, and im...
The NIH has released CollegeAIM, a matrix-based tool to compare and rate nearly 60 types of college alcohol interventions. The tool helps inform college staff about evidence-based interventions, with the goal of improving student health and safety.
A genetic variant of the HTR2B brain receptor molecule has been found to contribute to violent impulsivity, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption. The study, conducted by NIH researchers and their international collaborators, used human genetic analyses and gene knockout studies in mice to identify the mutation.
A genetic variant of a brain receptor influences dopamine release in response to alcohol, which may contribute to individual differences in alcohol use disorders. This finding aids the development of personalized medications for alcohol problems and explains why some individuals experience enhanced pleasurable effects from alcohol.
Researchers discovered a molecule called Alda-1 that activates the defective enzyme, restoring its ability to metabolize acetaldehyde. The findings suggest a possible treatment for individuals with the enzyme defect, which affects approximately 40% of East Asian populations.
Researchers found that brief motivational interviews and one-on-one counseling programs significantly reduced heavy drinking and improved behavior among high-risk students. Community-based initiatives, such as increased police patrols and online alcohol policies, also showed promise in reducing off-campus incidents involving students.
A family-based prevention program was found to be especially effective in reducing substance use and risk behaviors among young teens with a genetic risk factor. The study showed that the program helped adolescents with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR overcome their predisposition to engage in risky behaviors.
Scientists warn that East Asians who drink heavily may be at increased risk of esophageal cancer due to an enzyme deficiency. Heavy drinking in these individuals can lead to a significant increase in the risk, particularly among those with two copies of the inactive gene variant.
Scientists have discovered a genetic factor linked to stress response variability, revealing why some people can better withstand stress than others. The study found that inherited variations in the neuropeptide Y gene affect the brain's anxiety-reducing mechanisms, leading to differences in emotional responses and pain tolerance.
Researchers have identified a brain molecule, neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), that plays a central role in stress-related drinking and may be a potential therapeutic target for alcohol dependence. The study found that blocking NK1R reduced alcohol craving and improved overall wellbeing among individuals with anxiety.
A specific gene variant associated with a better response to naltrexone in treating alcohol dependence has been identified, according to a large-scale analysis of the COMBINE Study. Patients carrying the variant experienced significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to those without it.
A nationwide collaborative study found that emergency department patients who underwent alcohol screening and brief intervention reported lower rates of risky drinking than those who received only written information. The study enrolled over 7,751 patients and showed that more than one-fourth exceeded low-risk drinking limits.
Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with increased alcohol consumption in mice, which may provide new targets for developing treatments for alcohol dependence. The study suggests that glutamate pathways play a critical role in addiction and may be targeted by future drugs.
A 2001-2002 survey found that over 30% of US adults met criteria for an alcohol use disorder, with a significant gap in treatment uptake. The study's findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing AUDs early in their course to prevent personal disability and societal damage.
A new study identifies five distinct subtypes of alcoholism, including a young adult subtype characterized by low rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders. The functional subtype is defined by well-educated individuals with stable jobs and families.
A new study found that a specific gene variant, MAOA-LPR low activity allele, increases the risk of alcoholism and antisocial behavior in women who experienced childhood sexual abuse. This genetic variation is associated with hyperactivation of the hippocampus when retrieving negative emotional information.
A genetic variant of a brain receptor increases the stimulating effects of early alcohol exposure and boosts alcohol consumption. Monkeys with this gene showed enhanced pleasurable effects from alcohol, consuming more and becoming intoxicated more frequently than others.
Researchers found reduced brain growth among adult alcoholic children of parents with a history of heavy drinking or alcoholism, affecting IQ scores. The study suggests genetic and environmental factors contribute to the increased risk for alcohol dependence in children of alcoholics.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation in fruit flies that regulates sensitivity to alcohol. The study found that some fruit flies were more resistant to alcohol's sedative effects, and the researchers isolated the specific genetic mutation responsible.
A study in rats reports that a specific receptor for a stress-response transmitter may play an important role in stress-induced relapse. The research found that blocking this receptor suppressed alcohol drinking and reinstatement of drinking in animals with a higher preference for alcohol.
A new study found that individuals who become alcohol dependent before age 25 are less likely to seek treatment, experience more frequent and longer-lasting episodes, and meet more dependence diagnostic criteria. Researchers call for increased prevention and treatment efforts for this vulnerable population.
Data from a survey of 43,000 U.S. adults suggest that early alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of developing future alcohol problems, including dependence and relapse.
The COMBINE study found that medication naltrexone, combined with up to 20 sessions of specialized alcohol counseling and structured medical management, is an effective option for treating alcohol dependence. The study demonstrated a small advantage in preventing relapse at 1 year after treatment.
Researchers have discovered nearly 4,000 genes associated with high and low alcohol consumption in mice, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying excessive drinking. These findings could lead to new targets for treating alcoholism.
Researchers found a common serotonin transporter promoter gain-of-function variant linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study suggests improved screening, treatment, and medication development for OCD.
The NESARC study found that nearly half of those with major depressive disorder (MDD) wanted to die or considered suicide, while also experiencing substance abuse disorders. MDD prevalence varies by age, ethnicity, and comorbidities, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions.
Researchers found that rats bred to prefer alcohol showed more anxiety-like behaviors and drank more alcohol. Reduced anxiety was associated with increased CREB function, suggesting a potential target for therapy.
Acetaldehyde's interaction with polyamines may explain the link between alcohol and certain cancers. Researchers found that polyamines can stimulate the conversion of acetaldehyde into a mutagenic DNA base, increasing cancer risk.
Researchers found that concentrated community interventions resulted in significant declines in alcohol-related fatal crashes, with 22% reductions in crashes involving BACs of 0.01% or higher. The studies also showed a 20% decline in crashes for BACs of 0.08% or higher and a 17% decline for BACs of 0.15% or higher.
The study found that excessive drinking among college students poses significant harm, with over 500,000 unintentional injuries and 600,000 assaults reported in 2001. The researchers propose strategies to reduce college drinking and associated harm, including increased enforcement of underage drinking laws and screening programs.
Researchers found that men and women who drank moderately but frequently had the lowest BMI scores, while infrequent heavy drinkers had the highest BMIs. The study suggests that drinking frequency and quantity can be important risk factors for obesity.
A 2001-2002 survey found that 25% of individuals with alcohol dependence are now dependent, 27.3% are in partial remission, and 11.8% are asymptomatic risk drinkers. The likelihood of abstinent recovery increased with age and certain factors such as marriage, family history of alcoholism, and fewer symptoms of dependence.
A new study found that immigration status significantly increases the risk of psychiatric disorders among US-born individuals compared to foreign-born counterparts. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 US adults and revealed a higher lifetime rate of psychiatric disorders among US-born Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites.
A NIH study reveals that adults with nicotine dependence and/or psychiatric disorders account for 70% of all cigarette consumption in the US. The study also finds a strong co-occurrence between nicotine dependence and various psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders.
According to a recent study, youth drinking rates have stabilized in the US since the early 1990s, with over 80% of adolescents consuming alcohol by age 12th-grader. The stable prevalence rates are concerning, highlighting the need for continued efforts to prevent underage drinking.
The NESARC study reveals high rates of comorbidity between substance use disorders and independent mood and anxiety disorders. Approximately 20% of persons with a current substance use disorder experience a mood or anxiety disorder within the same time period.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) survey found that over 16 million Americans had a personality disorder, with avoidant, dependent, and paranoid disorders more prevalent among females. The study highlights the importance of addressing these conditions to prevent further impairment.
Researchers found that nearly one-quarter of hospitalized individuals with current alcohol use disorders had undetected diagnoses, and only half of detected cases received intervention or treatment referral. The study highlights the need for routine screening and education among medical professionals to address this issue.
Researchers found adolescents exhibit lower activation in brain regions motivating behavior toward rewards, but similar responses to obtaining gains. The study resolves debates about adolescent reward processing and may explain why many young people struggle with long-term goals.
A study found that teenagers with severe childhood ADHD are more likely to experience substance use problems, including alcohol and marijuana use. The researchers also discovered that the severity of inattention symptoms in childhood ADHD is a strong predictor of early substance abuse.