Articles tagged with Alcoholism
A new study using mice found that genes affect impulsivity, which can contribute to the risk of developing alcoholism. The study suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more likely to experiment with drugs and develop a substance-use disorder like alcoholism.
A study found that adolescent binge drinkers have lower coherence of white matter fibers, suggesting poorer white matter health. This compromise can lead to difficulties in processing information and emotional functioning.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that genetic predisposition to impulsivity is a trait predictive of alcoholism. The study used selective breeding to produce mice with high and low alcohol-preferred genes, which demonstrated that predisposition to impulsivity is predictive of alcoholism.
A new study identified four underage drinking laws that lead to reductions in underage drinking-and-driving fatal crashes: possession, purchase, use and lose, and zero tolerance. These laws save an estimated 864 lives each year. Additionally, three general impaired-driving laws were found effective in reducing fatalities.
Researchers found that naltrexone, an opiate receptor blocker, reduced the urges to steal and stealing behavior in individuals with kleptomania after eight weeks of treatment. The study suggests a potential link between kleptomania and substance addictions, highlighting the drug's efficacy in treating impulse control disorders.
Researchers found ALDH2-deficiency linked to increased esophageal cancer risk from moderate alcohol consumption. Clinicians can identify deficiency through flushing response and counsel patients to reduce drinking.
A new report from the University of Southampton finds that long-term daily drinking is the biggest risk factor for serious liver disease. The study suggests that regular drinking patterns can be discernible at an early age and recommends several alcohol-free days a week as a healthier pattern.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that the brain maintains language skills despite alcohol damage by drawing from other regions. The research used fMRI scans to investigate neural activity in alcoholic and healthy males performing an auditory language task.
A rodent study confirms that low to moderate levels of alcohol increase beta-endorphin release in the midbrain/Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) region, producing a general feeling of well-being. This supports a role of beta-endorphin in mediating some of the rewarding effects of alcohol.
A new study found that naltrexone significantly decreases heavy drinking rates in smokers enrolled in smoking cessation, with the heaviest drinkers benefiting the most. The medication's potential benefits for co-use of nicotine and alcohol may provide a helpful addition to standard quitting programs.
A single-screening question from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) accurately identifies unhealthy alcohol use in primary-care patients, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
New research on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) finds that motivational readiness is more about individual self-reflection than avoiding negative consequences. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that motivation and readiness to change are influenced by personal ...
Heavy drinking near off-premise outlets increases gun violence risk, study finds. Reducing outlet density and server training may help reduce gun violence.
Research shows that portrayals of alcohol in films and TV commercials immediately lead to increased drinking behavior. Participants who watched movies with prominent alcohol scenes drank an average of 1.5 bottles more than those who watched neutral ads.
Adolescents who experienced multiple types of child maltreatment, including neglect and physical or sexual abuse, were more likely to report binge drinking. The study found that those with a sexual abuse history had nearly twice the odds of reporting binge drinking compared to those without any maltreatment.
A Dartmouth-led study of young U.S. teens found that owning alcohol-branded merchandise is associated with an increased risk of transitioning from susceptibility to binge drinking. The study also discovered that teens who own these items are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards drinking and initiate alcohol use.
A survey of US teens aged 10-14 found that owning alcohol-branded merchandise was associated with increased susceptibility to drinking and binge drinking. The most commonly owned items were clothing and headwear, often featuring beer brands.
A study by the University of Minnesota and CDC found that 43% of active-duty military personnel engage in frequent binge drinking, leading to approximately 30 million episodes annually. This behavior is strongly associated with health and social problems, including job performance issues and alcohol-impaired driving.
New rodent findings show that chronic drinking causes more injury to the liver than acute or binge drinking, with persistent gene-expression changes and deleterious conditioning. This research highlights the importance of daily, excessive drinking in programming the liver to become dependent on alcohol.
A new study found a link between the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and risk for post-treatment relapse among alcohol-dependent patients. The findings suggest that genetic markers may be used to predict treatment outcomes and inform personalized therapy approaches.
New rodent findings show that dietary zinc supplements throughout pregnancy can reduce some alcohol-related birth defects. Zinc supplementation also increases the mother's blood zinc to prevent fetal zinc deficiency and subsequent fetal damage.
Researchers developed a composite metric of maternal-drinking measures that can predict prenatal neurobehavioral dysfunction and deficits in children, identifying over 62% of mothers as drinking at risk levels. The metric was more successful than individual measures in predicting poor child cognition and behavior problems.
A new intervention method has been shown to significantly reduce binge drinking among college students. The MIF (motivational interviewing with feedback) intervention includes a personalized feedback profile and a 45-minute counseling session, resulting in a 5.26 drink reduction per week among participants. The study found that this ap...
A new study found that binge drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, regardless of when alcohol consumption stops. Women who drank heavily or binged had a higher incidence of preterm birth compared to those who abstained from alcohol.
Researchers found that men tend to use heavier intoxication words like 'hammered,' while women use more moderate terms like 'tipsy.' This could mislead women about their level of intoxication and driving ability.
Research found that drinking and high-activity MAOA can predict the risk of impulsive violence, while aging may decrease this risk. Coaching and psychopharmacological treatment may help control violent behaviors in high-activity MAOA offenders.
A leading academic from Durham University argues that patients must comply with moral duties to look after themselves and others when accessing free healthcare. This includes promoting one's own health, using NHS resources responsibly, and cooperating with medical advice and treatment.
A study published in Atherosclerosis reveals that binge drinking causes an irregular pattern of heavy drinking to clog blood vessels, leading to a two-fold increase in fatal heart attack risk. Acetaldehyde levels found in the blood after binge drinking increase monocyte adhesion to blood vessel walls.
Research suggests that light-to-moderate drinking can promote cytoprotective cellular mechanisms, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Moderate alcohol exposure has also been shown to activate anti-inflammatory processes and promote neuronal survival pathways.
A new study reveals hazardous drinking among NZ university students begins in high school, with high levels of binge drinking and related problems. The study recommends prioritizing reduction of binge drinking in high school and implementing early identification systems on campuses.
Research finds that specific DNA sequence variations of the serotonin transporter gene can influence drinking intensity among alcohol-dependent individuals. The study analyzed six single nucleotide polymorphisms and found a significant association between one particular variation and lower drinking intensity.
A recent study found that non-beverage alcohols, including medicinal tinctures and eau-de-colognes, are highly concentrated and cheaper than standard Russian vodka. Researchers believe these products pose a significant health risk to consumers, particularly those who rely on them as an affordable source of alcohol.
A new study suggests that genetic factors may influence the size of a brain region involved in emotional processing and impulsivity in teenagers. Researchers found that those with a family history of alcohol dependence had reduced volume of the right orbitofrontal cortex, an area critical for regulating impulsive behavior.
A new study has found that US Hispanics, belonging to four national groups, prefer beer as their beverage of choice. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, revealed that beer was the preferred beverage among all Hispanic respondents, with variations in preference across ethnic subgroups.
A new study found a strong link between alcohol outlet density and male-to-female partner violence, with higher risks in neighborhoods with more drinking places. The research used individual and couple-level data to assess the relationship between alcohol availability and intimate partner violence.
A new study found that individuals who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) in adulthood. The research, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, controlled for various individual risk factors and found that early drinking is associated with increased AUD risk.
A new study finds that non-daily smokers are 16 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than non-smokers, and five times more likely to meet criteria for an AUD. The study suggests that casual smoking may promote hazardous drinking behavior.
A recent study found associations between variations in ghrelin genes and increased risk of heavy alcohol consumption and obesity. The research suggests that the ghrelin system may play a role in the brain-reward systems underlying addictive behaviors, including compulsive overeating and drug dependence.
A study found associations between human NPY receptor genes and a more severe subtype of alcohol dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms or coexisting alcohol and cocaine dependence. The research suggests that certain genetic variants may be associated with increased risk of AD and seizures in humans.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research demonstrates that coupon users face stigma and their proximity affects others' perceptions. Standing near a coupon user can lead to negative opinions about one's character, especially if the individuals are similar or know each other well.
A new study finds that binge drinking among women attending an urban STD clinic is linked to high rates of gonorrhea, anal sex, and multiple sex partners. Women binge drinkers are five times more likely to have gonorrhea than non-drinking women.
Researchers found that associating binge drinking with graduate students reduced junk food consumption by 28%. Linking unhealthy behaviors to an 'outgroup' can be a successful strategy for improving consumer health. By shifting perceptions of identity associated with risky behaviors, better health outcomes can be achieved.
A study found that alcohol dependence in women is associated with delayed reproduction, including menstrual disorders and unplanned pregnancies. Women who drink may want to consider the long-term consequences of drinking on later childbearing.
A recent study found that individuals appearing underage and intoxicated can purchase alcohol at professional sports stadiums, with sales rates of 18% for pseudo-underage buyers and 74% for pseudo-intoxicated buyers. Location was a key factor, with sales in the stands being 2.9 times more likely than at concession booths.
Younger service members and Reserve/National Guard personnel returning from combat are at increased risk of new-onset heavy drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Deployment with combat exposures is associated with a significant increase in rates of heavy weekly drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol-related problems.
New research reveals that a specific dopamine pathway is responsible for the rewarding effects of nicotine. The mesolimbic dopamine system is also linked to addiction in other substances like cocaine and alcohol.
A new study found that those who drink excessively are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 participants and found that most people in the US drink in ways that may increase their risk of metabolic syndrome.
A new study found that prenatal drinking has a significant impact on neurotrophins in rats, but environmental enrichment does not mitigate these effects. Researchers discovered that prenatal alcohol exposure generally increased brain neurotrophin levels, which may serve as a compensation for damage to the developing brain.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that loud music in bars increases drinking behavior. The research, conducted by Nicolas Guéguen and his colleagues, discovered that high sound levels led to increased drinking within a shorter time frame.
A study found that AA attendees drink more coffee than the general population and smoke to reduce depression, anxiety, and irritability. Coffee consumption may also have health benefits, including reducing the risk of death from suicide and certain cancers.
A landmark study found that college environments with easy access to alcohol, weak control policies, and lax enforcement contribute to binge drinking. Colleges with restrictive policies and substance-free housing options have lower binge drinking levels.
A study by the University of Bonn and Karolinska Institute found that a specific gene variant in women's endorphin metabolism is altered more often in female alcoholics than in healthy women. In mice, endorphins play a crucial role in ethanol consumption, particularly among females.
Researchers found that average wine glasses were 43% larger than standard drinks, with varying alcohol content within beverage types. The combination of higher-content drinks and lack of awareness makes this 'abundance' problematic for consumers planning to drive or engage in activities.
A study examining two medications and two behavioral treatments found that medication adherence is still essential for success in treating alcohol dependence. High medication adherents fared better than low adherents across all treatment combinations.
Research suggests that women who started drinking at younger ages are more likely to develop alcohol dependence, with those starting before age 17 facing a 50-80% increased risk. The study also found that the earlier onset of drinking is a strong predictor of subsequent alcohol dependence.
This study found that AA and NA attendance benefited adolescents, even after early discontinuation, with those who attended more meetings having better outcomes. The organizations' focus on abstinence and social support resonated well with youth with severe addiction problems.
A study found that college students often drink to excess on their 21st birthdays, with 34% of men and 24% of women consuming 21 drinks or more. The researchers estimated blood alcohol content, finding that 49% of men and 35% of women had levels indicating severe intoxication.
Researchers plan to reduce binge drinking by providing workplace information and employee commitments, with a focus on raising awareness of health effects. They will follow up with employees to assess long-term behavior change.
A recent study found that binge drinkers, even when legally intoxicated, believe they have adequate driving abilities. However, their performance on a simulated driving task was poor. The researchers propose that lack of internal sedation cue and variable drinking habits may be responsible for this disconnect.
A new study has found that men are more likely to crave alcohol when they feel negative emotions, such as sadness and anxiety. Women tend to ruminate on these feelings, while men may distract themselves by using alcohol as a coping mechanism.