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Awareness grows of cancer risk from alcohol consumption, survey finds

A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that over half of Americans believe drinking alcohol increases their chances of developing cancer. The Surgeon General's advisory on alcohol and cancer risk also contributed to increased public awareness, with nearly 3 in 10 respondents saying they would be less likely to accept a dr...

More than half of college students report alcohol-related harms from others

A new study reveals that more than half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms caused by others. The findings show that students who identified as White, cisfemale, or transgender, and those living with roommates, were at greater risk. Commonly reported harms included social harm, sleep disruptions, and emotional hurt.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateJan 7, 2025

Differences in the effectiveness of nonalcoholic beverage provision in reducing alcohol consumption depending on the degree of problem drinking

Providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduces alcohol consumption in individuals with moderate to severe drinking problems, as indicated by AUDIT scores ≤7, 8-11, 12-14, and ≥15. However, this approach is not sufficient for those with more severe cases, highlighting the need for a combination of strategies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 15, 2024

Women more likely to choose wine with feminine labels

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more inclined to purchase wine with labels featuring feminine gender cues. The study's lead author noted that winemakers may want to pay attention to the perceptions of this understudied group, which represents 59% of U.S. wine consumers.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateOct 1, 2024

Alcohol consumption patterns and mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors

A UK cohort study reveals that even low-risk alcohol consumption is linked to increased mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. The findings suggest that healthier lifestyles may play a role in the observed attenuation of mortality for wine drinkers and those who drink only during meals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 12, 2024

The research was wrong: study shows moderate drinking won’t lengthen your life

A new analysis by researchers found that studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits suffer from fundamental design flaws. Moderate drinkers were compared with abstainer and occasional drinker groups that included older adults who had quit or cut down on drinking due to health conditions, leading to biased results.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 25, 2024

Study Shows Stricter Alcohol Policies Are Associated with Reduction in Homicides

A recent statistical analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between more restrictive alcohol policy environments and lower homicide rates. The study suggests that adopting stricter policies could lead to a reduction in approximately 1200 homicides annually.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Significant reduction in alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers: personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information

A study published in BMC Medicine found that personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers. The intervention group showed lower alcohol consumption and AUDIT-C scores compared to the control group, with continued reductions in scores over time.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 17, 2024

Study finds heavy alcohol consumption linked to ectopic fat

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher levels of ectopic fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research team used CT scans to measure and analyze data on body fat distribution, revealing a J-shaped pattern between alcoho...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 12, 2023

Alcohol makes you more likely to approach attractive people but doesn’t make others seem better looking: Study

A new study found that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of interacting with attractive people, but doesn't change how others are perceived. When intoxicated, men were 1.71 times more likely to choose one of their top-four attractive candidates to interact with in the future.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Heavy drinking, handgun-carrying linked among rural youth

A study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that rural US youth who engage in heavy drinking are more likely to carry a handgun, with a 43% increased risk. The study suggests that evidence-based prevention programs can address both behaviors and potentially lower firearm-related harm among adolescents.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 23, 2023

Light or moderate alcohol consumption does not guard against diabetes, obesity

A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that moderate to light alcohol consumption does not protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 408,000 participants, confirmed that heavy drinking increases measures of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 27, 2023

Women without children at age 35 are at highest risk of binge drinking, alcohol use disorder

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that women who turned 35 in recent years and those without children are most at risk of excessive alcohol consumption. The study's findings highlight the need to address unhealthy drinking habits among middle-aged women, particularly those without children.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2023

THE LANCET: Minimum unit pricing for alcohol associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland, study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet finds that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland. The policy has also led to significant reductions in alcohol-specific hospitalisations and long-term conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Drunk mice sober up after a hormone shot

A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

When alcohol becomes cheaper, abortions and adverse birth outcomes increase, new research shows

A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Do caffeine and alcohol affect fertility treatments?

A recent study found no association between women's caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate after fertility treatments. However, moderate alcohol consumption (84g/week) was associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates in both men and women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 19, 2022

A healthy lifestyle may help former smokers lower their risk of death from all causes

A recent study found that former smokers who stick to a healthy lifestyle have a lower risk of dying from all causes, including cancer and heart and lung diseases. The study analyzed data from over 159,000 former smokers and found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle was associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of death.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Moderate drinking linked to brain changes and cognitive decline

A study of almost 21,000 people found that moderate drinking is associated with higher iron levels in the brain and poorer cognitive function. Iron accumulation is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline, which can lead to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2022