Articles tagged with Alcoholism
A study found that neighborhoods with higher densities of on-premise alcohol outlets, such as bars and restaurants, have higher rates of violent crimes compared to those with lower densities. In contrast, off-premise outlets like liquor stores and convenience stores showed a weaker relationship between outlet density and crime.
A new study examining male twins from a veteran population found a strong relationship between early alcohol use, alcohol dependence, daily nicotine use, and fewer years of educational attainment. The study controlled for familial influences, suggesting that substance use may directly impact academic success.
Researchers from Norway created a scale to measure Facebook addiction, finding it more common among younger users and those with anxiety and social insecurity. The study also reveals that people with high extraversion scores are at greater risk of developing delayed sleep-wake rhythms.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that alcoholism impairs associative memory, a component of episodic memory, which is essential for remembering face-name associations. Working memory, another short-term memory system, is also affected, leading to difficulties in holding information in mind.
Research found that adolescent attendance and involvement in 12-step meetings, such as AA and NA, promote greater abstinence among young people. Attending meetings at least once a week or more significantly improves substance use outcomes.
A study found that adolescents are more likely to drink when their peers have pro-alcohol norms, but less likely when they have anti-alcohol norms. Popular peers' anti-alcohol views were most influential in reducing drinking behavior.
A new study examines neural activation among individuals with and without a history of alcohol-induced fragmentary blackouts, suggesting individual differences in how alcohol impacts memory. The study found that some people are more likely to experience alcohol-induced blackouts due to unique patterns of blood flow and neural activity.
A study found that AD patients have difficulties transferring acquired knowledge to new contexts, despite being able to learn and acquire information. This transfer deficit may be related to deficits in declarative learning and dysfunction in the medial temporal lobe region of the brain.
A new meta-analysis of LSD trials found that 59% of patients showed improvement in alcohol misuse, with lasting effects for at least six months. LSD interacts with serotonin receptors to stimulate new connections and open the mind, offering a promising treatment approach for alcoholism.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a single dose of LSD improved outcomes for 59% of patients compared to 38% of those receiving other treatments. Patients who received LSD showed greater self-acceptance, openness and motivation to address their alcohol problem.
Researchers have discovered a crucial link between mitochondrial function and heart damage caused by chronic alcoholism. Using electron microscopic tomography, the team created the first 3D images of mitochondria, revealing tiny tethers linking them to another cell compartment where calcium is stored.
Research reveals that drinking alcohol induces significant brain atrophy and specific shrinkage in cerebral cortex and thalamus in genetically vulnerable mice. The findings support the protective role of dopamine D2 receptors against alcohol-induced brain damage.
A study of young, non-dependent social drinkers found that the caudate nucleus and frontal cortex regions of the brain show less activation in people who drink more heavily. This association was stronger in women than in men and correlated with their frequency of drinking.
A new study finds that varenicline increases the negative effects of alcohol and decreases drug liking in heavy-to-moderate social drinkers. This effect could reduce bingeing and other forms of abuse. Varenicline may be an effective treatment for individuals with both nicotine and alcohol dependence.
A new study links higher neighborhood bar density to increased intimate partner violence-related emergency department visits. Researchers found that bars are positively associated with IPV-related ED visits, while restaurants have no relationship.
A study found that varenicline increases the unpleasant effects of alcohol and decreases drug liking, reducing drinking. This may be due to varenicline counteracting the positive effects of alcohol, such as feeling 'buzzed' and talkative.
A new study compares brain activity in adolescents with and without a family history of alcoholism, finding that those at risk for alcohol use disorder show weaker activation in key brain regions. This suggests an increased vulnerability to poor decision-making regarding future alcohol use.
A new study discovered that texting can effectively assess drinking problems and provide brief interventions in young adults, reducing the number of heavy drinking days. The intervention reduced binge episodes and drinks per drinking day compared to baseline.
A new study found a strong relationship between adolescent drinking and criminal activity, including property crime, predatory crime, and victimization. Frequent alcohol consumption was associated with a greater probability of committing crimes and being victims, regardless of gender.
A new study found fetal alcohol exposure is underestimated or misreported in Italy, with a prevalence of 7.9% among newborns. Meconium biomarkers FAEEs and EtG were used to establish prenatal ethanol exposure.
Researchers at IUPUI have created a line of lab mice that prefer alcohol over water and binge drink like humans. These mice can reach blood-alcohol levels of over 260mg/dl, allowing scientists to study the genetic and behavioral determinants of alcoholism.
A Scripps Research Institute study found that an anti-stress peptide can prevent and reverse some cellular effects of acute alcohol and alcohol dependence in animal models. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from this peptide could play a role in treating complex disease.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers has found that freshman women who start binge drinking in college are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault. Nearly half of young women who never drank heavily in high school admitted to binge drinking within their first college semester.
A study of 437 young women found that nearly half who never drank heavily in high school admitted to binge drinking by the end of their first college semester. Binge drinking was linked to an increased risk of sexual victimization, regardless of previous drinking habits. Parents are urged to talk with their children about drinking befo...
Rutgers University has received a $10 million grant to explore the genetic and environmental factors leading to alcoholism. The four-year study will collect saliva samples from over 46,000 individuals across the US and conduct DNA extraction and genotyping to identify risk factors.
The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reveals declining teen smoking rates, with 9% of students smoking cigarettes compared to 12% in 2009. Binge drinking and driving after cannabis use remain concerns, with 22% of teens reporting hazardous drinking behaviors and 16% being drunk or high at school.
Researchers found a rare gene called NRXN3 plays an important role in brain development and neuron functions, linked to impulsivity and substance abuse. The study suggests this genetic connection may be more prevalent among men than women.
Researchers found a link between genetic variants in cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and increased susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Specific CNR1 polymorphisms were more frequent in patients with alcohol dependence than those who abused alcohol.
A specific gene variant is associated with a higher risk of premature death and relapse among alcohol-dependent individuals. Research found that carriers of this variant are 10 times more likely to die prematurely compared to the general population.
Researchers identified the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex as key players in impaired decision making, leading to addictive and compulsive behavior. The study's findings may pave the way for more targeted treatments for substance abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
A recent study examines the cultural context of drinking's impact on the relationship between alcohol consumption and harm. The research reveals a significant dose-response relationship between alcohol and health issues across five European countries, with stronger links in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden.
Researchers identified two groups of college students who drank at fairly high levels, with one group showing higher levels of impulsivity and aggression. These individuals are at a higher risk for developing future alcohol problems.
A new study found that heavy drinkers face higher injury risks than moderate drinkers, especially when sober. Moderate drinking was found to be more hazardous per drink than regular heavy drinking.
A study published in American Sociological Review found that teenage drinking habits are influenced more by their date's friends than their own. The presence of prior drinking among the friend increases the odds of future binge drinking by 80%, while the date's drinking habits have a lower impact, increasing binge drinking by 32%.
A recent study published in the American Sociological Review found that adolescents are more susceptible to drinking habits of their romantic partner's friends than their own friends or significant others. This influence can be either positive or negative, depending on whether the partner's friends drink heavily.
Native American communities have the highest alcohol-related death rates, but how and why this is prevalent remains unclear. The new five-year MERIT award will investigate early underage drinking's impact on risk for alcoholism and develop culturally relevant treatment programs.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that a gene variant can predict the success of naltrexone treatment for alcoholism in Asians. The OPRM1 gene variant is associated with better clinical outcomes when taking naltrexone, making it an effective medication option for this population.
Researchers found that people born after World War II are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking and develop alcoholism. The study highlights the need for specific public health prevention and intervention efforts, particularly for young women who face unique health risks due to their smaller body size.
This study found that chronic alcoholics' gait and balance can continue to recover with long-term abstinence from alcohol. However, deficits can persist, especially in eyes-closed standing balance. The results suggest that impaired brain functions appear to recover with extended abstinence.
A review of 31 studies found that people born after World War II are more likely to binge drink and develop alcohol use disorders. The gender gap in alcohol problems is narrowing in many countries, highlighting the need for specific public health prevention and intervention efforts.
Researchers have found that chronic drinking leads to reduced cortical thickness in frontal and temporal brain regions, affecting cognitive abilities and intellectual functions. The study's results indicate that alcohol damage occurs in gradations, with more severe damage associated with higher levels of consumption.
A new study found that daily moderate drinking decreases atherosclerosis in mice, while binge drinking increases its development. Moderate drinking also lowered LDL cholesterol and reduced plaque volume, whereas binge drinking led to increased inflammation and weight gain.
A Spanish study of adults found that heavy drinking and binge drinking were associated with a poor adherence to major food consumption guidelines. The researchers suggest that drinking at mealtimes may contribute to adverse metabolic effects and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that frequent tanning bed users exhibit brain activity and blood flow patterns similar to those of people addicted to drugs or alcohol. The study suggests that the rewarding effects of tanning beds may lead to compulsive behavior despite the increased risk of skin cancer.
A pilot project assesses the feasibility of virtual reality to treat alcohol abuse in veterans, targeting those with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The eight-week study uses augmented relapse prevention therapy sessions, where participants practice coping skills in simulated bar settings or home environments.
A nationwide study in China found that 55.6% of men and 15% of women are current drinkers, with frequent binge drinking among males and women averaging 5.6 and 2.4 binges per year, respectively. Cultural factors, such as social pressure and entrenched customs, contribute to the problem.
A new study found that acute stress can increase alcohol consumption by altering its effects, while chronic stress may prolong recovery from a stressful event. The study's results suggest that using alcohol to cope with stress may actually make a person's response to stress worse.
A new study confirms that a low level of response (LR) to alcohol increases risk for heavy drinking and problems among adolescents. LR is related to more adverse outcomes through partial mediation by peer substance use, positive expectancies, and using alcohol to cope with stress.
A new study found that female teens who binge drink have less brain activation and worse performance on attention and working memory tasks. Male binge drinkers showed some but less abnormality compared to non-drinkers. The findings suggest that adolescent girls may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of heavy alcohol use.
Clinical research identifies 'food addicts' with increased binge-eating disorder, depression, and impulsive personality traits. The study proposes personalized treatment approaches for obesity.
A study found that some people continue to drink heavily due to perceived positive effects, despite experiencing negative consequences. The 'rose-colored beer goggles' phenomenon suggests that individuals who have experienced fewer bad effects are less deterred from drinking.
A new University of Cincinnati study found that binge drinking among adolescents and young adults can cause cortical-thinning in the pre-frontal cortex, leading to impaired executive functioning. The research also suggests that greater number of drinks per binge is associated with reduced gray matter thickness.
Researchers found that gain-framed, positive messages are more effective in curbing college students' binge drinking habits than loss-framed, negative messages. The study showed that messages focusing on relationships and academic success were most effective in convincing students to avoid binge drinking.
A study of 122 Spanish university students found a clear association between binge drinking and poorer verbal declarative memory, even after controlling for other confounding variables. The research suggests that heavy episodic drinking may affect the brain's hippocampus, leading to impaired learning and memory abilities.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that individuals with a family history of Type I alcoholism are more sensitive to alcohol's stimulating effects, which may lead to increased consumption and a higher risk of developing alcoholism. The researchers also discovered that these individuals experience im...
A new study found that impulsive choice in alcohol dependence may be linked to functional anomalies in brain regions involved in cognitive and emotional control. Individuals with more severe AUDs showed increased activity in regions such as the insula and supplementary motor area when delaying gratification.
A population-based study found that parental alcohol use disorders significantly increase the risk of offspring developing an AUD. Female offspring were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk, suggesting a stronger genetic component for female development of AUDs.
A laboratory study found that energy drinks combined with alcohol enhance feelings of stimulation but do not alter the level of behavioral impairment, particularly for impulsive behavior. This combination may make energy drink-alcohol consumption riskier than drinking alcohol alone.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System has uncovered a link between genetic variations associated with alcoholism, impulsive behavior and a region of the brain involved in craving and anxiety. Variations in the GABRA2 gene contribute to the risk of alcoholism by influencing impulsive behaviors.
A two-year treatment regimen with Naltrexone and complementary treatments like group therapy can keep 80% of gamblers 'gamble-free' over a four-year period. Gambling addiction is a chronic disorder requiring careful monitoring and holistic treatments to avoid relapse.