Articles tagged with Alcoholism
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study suggests that ANKK1 gene may play a role in addictive behaviors, providing a potential explanation for inconsistent findings with the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2). The research used data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism and found evidence of association between ANKK1 and addiction phenotypes.
A new study found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to reduce their drinking when prescribed naltrexone. However, those without a family history of alcoholism may experience increased drinking with higher doses of naltrexone.
Research found a bidirectional relationship between alcohol dependence and neighborhood characteristics. Alcoholism leads to staying in or moving into disadvantaged neighborhoods, while recovery from alcoholism is protective against social drift. Living in poor neighborhoods has an adverse effect on alcoholic symptomatology over time.
Researchers compared gene expression in the frontal cortex of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic alcoholics, finding widespread effects on cellular pathways related to cirrhosis. This suggests that heavy drinking can cause more brain damage in individuals with liver scarring.
A new study by Suresh Ramanathan and Patti Williams examines the affective outcomes of indulgent consumption among both prudent and impulsive consumers. Both groups experience a mixture of positive and negative emotions immediately after consuming a food indulgence, but with different components and time courses.
A new study by University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found a strong correlation between malt liquor consumption and marijuana use. Young adults who drink malt liquor are more likely to develop alcohol problems and use illicit drugs.
A recent study by OHSU and VAMC researchers found that female mice are more susceptible to brain cell death after alcohol withdrawal than male mice. The study suggests that women may be more vulnerable to the neurotoxic consequences of alcohol consumption, which could contribute to debilitating cognitive dysfunction and motor deficits ...
A new study found that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with altered responses in frontal-striatal areas of the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral deficits. The research also suggests a link between prenatal alcohol exposure and an increased risk of substance-use disorders.
A new study found that immediate suspension of a driver's license upon failure of an alcohol breath test can reduce alcohol-related fatalities by five percent, saving hundreds of lives annually. This effect is seen across all demographics and circumstances, including individuals with just one or two drinks.
A study found that recovering alcoholics who smoked showed lower improvement in tests of memory, reasoning, judgment, and visual/spatial coordination compared to non-smokers. Smokers demonstrated inferior performance in auditory/verbal learning and memory, cognitive efficiency, executive skills, processing speed, and working memory.
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 new study found that early-morning Friday classes can significantly reduce excessive drinking on Thursday nights. The research suggests that requiring students to attend early classes, especially before 10 a.m., can help decrease binge drinking and heavy consumption of alcohol.
A new study examines 'shoulder tapping,' where an underage person asks a stranger to purchase alcohol. Young males are the most willing to participate, with 19% of adults in this demographic agreeing to buy beer for an underage youth. This behavior can lead to serious problems, including traffic crashes and unplanned pregnancies.
Research found that medical patients with an alcohol-use disorder are at a higher risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, and those who develop alcohol withdrawal need it for a longer period. The study's authors recommend screening all medical intensive-care patients for AUDs to identify potential complications.
A new study suggests that smoking can interfere with the neurocognitive recovery of alcoholics during their first six to nine months of abstinence. Non-smoking alcoholics showed significant improvement in areas such as mental efficiency, problem-solving, and working memory compared to smoking alcoholics.
A new study found that binge drinking is linked to poor decision making among college students, regardless of impulsivity. Long-term neurocognitive effects are unclear, but researchers suggest heavy alcohol use can impact decision-making abilities.
A recent study has found that maternal alcohol use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of extreme preterm delivery. The effects are more pronounced among women aged 30 years and older. Researchers also found that cocaine use was associated with an increased risk, while smoking had a lesser impact.
A new study found that both heavy drinking and neighborhood characteristics can contribute to mutual intimate partner violence among married/cohabiting adults. Women who are the heaviest drinkers are at elevated risk for mutual IPV regardless of their neighborhood context.
A new study led by the University of Alberta found that mailing brief self-help materials to interested drinkers in the general population reduced binge drinking by 10%. The study provided self-help materials to 877 male and female drinkers, aged 43, who were recruited from the general population.
A new study examines the impact of spousal similarity on alcohol dependence (AD) risk. Assortative mating increases AD frequency, while reciprocal spousal interaction appears to protect against AD after accounting for assortative mating. This finding suggests that having an AD spouse may reduce the likelihood of developing AD.
Researchers analyzed data from 48 US states between 1975 and 2001 to determine the impact of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) and beer taxes on youth traffic fatalities. The study found that raising MLDA or beer taxes in isolation led to fewer youth-traffic fatalities, but that these effects were more pronounced when other policies we...
A new study reveals that female alcoholics experience both physiological and cognitive declines from alcohol use sooner and with less consumption than men. Women are at risk of developing cognitive problems more rapidly than men, with deficits in executive functioning having a more pervasive effect on daily life.
Researchers found that alcoholics experience impaired HPA axis reactivity, leading to increased stress vulnerability. Exercise can exacerbate this issue, but a balanced approach is recommended for early abstinence.
Research suggests that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop alcohol problems, particularly those who experience heavy drinking and stress in childhood. Parental alcoholism and family dynamics also play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorders among young adults.
Research suggests that variations in the alpha synuclein gene contribute to alcohol craving in certain individuals. The study found eight SNPs associated with alcohol craving, but not with dependence, indicating a possible subtype of alcoholics influenced by this genetic factor.
Researchers found that measures of spirituality increased significantly in recovering alcoholics, with daily spiritual experiences and feeling of purpose in life strongly linked to sobriety. This suggests that including spirituality into recovery services may be beneficial, regardless of the individual's faith or belief system.
A study by researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that 18% of young women experienced sexual victimization over a two-year period. The majority (66%) of these cases involved intimate partners, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies to address both types of victimization.
Researchers found that FASD children had longer reaction times and made more direction errors in eye-movement tasks. The study provides a powerful tool for assessing executive-function deficits in individuals with FASD.
Research found that alcoholics with greater deficits in emotional facial expression recognition had worse treatment outcomes and prognosis. Despite three months of abstinence, these individuals showed continued impaired EFE decoding abilities.
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.
A long-term study at MU found that individuals from alcoholic homes retain higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism, increasing the risk of alcohol dependency. The researchers monitored participants' personality traits over two decades, revealing a decrease in emotional stability for those with family histories of alcoholism.
A survey of 4,839 West Australian women found nearly 80% consumed alcohol in the three months before pregnancy, with more than half drinking during pregnancy despite recommendations. The study highlights the need for effective health promotion messages to reach women of child-bearing age.
A new study has found that the ADH1B*3 allele appears to protect against alcoholism in Afro-Trinidadians, while increasing the risk for liver disease among those who drink heavily. Individuals with this allele have lower alcohol consumption levels and are less likely to be alcohol-dependent.
A large cohort study in the UK finds that British women's binge drinking habits are defined by their age and education level. Women with higher education tend to reduce their binge drinking as they age, while those with lower education levels increase their binge drinking risk, particularly after the age of 40.
A new study finds significant ethnic differences in treatment use for alcohol problems among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. The majority of services are provided in settings like hospitals and medical clinics, but financial and logistical barriers hinder access for minorities.
Researchers found that measuring alcohol consumption and depression differently, as well as examining gender, are key issues when interpreting findings on the relationship between alcohol and depression. The study showed stronger associations between depression and heavy episodic drinking for women than men.
A new study finds that reduced frontal-lobe activity and impulsivity are linked to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more vulnerable to excessive drinking and other disinhibitory disorders.
A University of Virginia Health System researcher found that just four motivational interviewing sessions doubled the odds of women at risk for pregnancy reducing their binge drinking. The technique, called MI, has proven effective in scaling back risky behaviors and promoting contraception use.
A new study reveals that insomnia and sleep perception can significantly impact alcohol recovery, with patients who overestimate their sleep quality being more likely to relapse. The research suggests addressing sleep disturbances is crucial for effective recovery.
Researchers found an imbalance of activity in the right and left frontal areas of the brain, indicating a dysregulation in emotion and motivation systems. This imbalance may be genetically based and is similar to patterns seen in individuals with depression.
Researchers found that adolescent smokers are more vulnerable to AUDs due to nicotine's impact on the brain's central reward circuitry. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests smoking can make adolescents more susceptible to addictions beyond just alcohol.
Individuals in early recovery from alcoholism who have inaccurate sleep perceptions are more likely to return to drinking. Poor sleep quality can lead to mood disturbances and increased vulnerability to relapse.
Researchers found a significant association between the GAD1 gene and the development of alcoholism in Han Taiwanese men. The study suggests that defects in GABA synthesis may contribute to increased alcohol consumption, leading to dependence. Further exploration of GABA's role in alcoholism may lead to new treatment strategies.
Research suggests that teenage brains can quickly adapt to the effects of alcohol, leading to a disconnect between behavioral and physiological responses. This may result in teenagers being less impaired by alcohol but also more likely to engage in binge drinking, which poses significant risks to brain development.
Researchers found a reduction in total hippocampus volume among adult male veterans with a history of heavy drinking, suggesting injury to the brain structure. The study's results may explain some memory impairment and cognitive deficits observed in chronic alcoholics.
Researchers discovered a decrease in neuron density in the orbitofrontal cortex among alcoholics, which may lead to decision-making and emotional behavioral issues. The findings suggest that continued alcohol abuse results in irreversible neuronal loss, emphasizing the importance of stopping alcohol consumption.
A recent study published in Social History of Medicine reveals that LSD can be an effective treatment for alcoholism, with 65% of participants abstaining from drinking for at least a year after receiving a single dose. The therapy worked by allowing patients to experience a spiritual journey that empowered them to heal themselves.
Researchers have discovered that animals with altered cytoskeletal structures are less susceptible to alcohol's intoxicating effects. A team of Italian researchers found mice lacking a gene that influences the cellular skeleton became less sensitive to ethanol exposure, leading to increased drinking and reduced neurological damage.
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.
Research found that alcohol-dependent individuals with comorbid personality disorders, particularly antisocial and borderline PDs, exhibit impaired decision-making abilities. This study highlights the importance of neurocognitive mechanisms in understanding alcohol-use disorders.
A new study suggests that higher levels of dopamine D2 receptors may provide a protective effect for those most at risk of developing alcoholism. The research found that these receptors, involved in emotional reactions and cognitive control, are elevated in the brains of participants with a family history of alcoholism.
A recent Italian school study found high rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), with prevalence rates three times higher than previously estimated for Western Europe. The study used active surveillance to identify children with growth and behavioral problems, revealing a significant associati...
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that acamprosate improved sleep disturbances in alcohol-dependent patients attempting to stop drinking. The medication was shown to reduce sleep problems during acute withdrawal and maintain its effects after two weeks of treatment.
A new study found that long-term abstinence from alcohol can resolve many neurocognitive deficits, including short- and long-term memory, planning, learning, and comprehension. However, spatial processing abilities may be impaired, affecting daily activities like driving.
Researchers found that a variant of the ADH gene influences response to alcohol among non-Asians, potentially decreasing risk for alcoholism. The study suggests that genetic factors can impact an individual's ability to interpret other genes' effects.
A comprehensive scan of the human genome has identified 51 chromosomal regions linked to alcohol addiction. The study provides new tools for understanding the physiological foundation of addiction and identifying individuals at risk.
A brain protein called BDNF plays a critical role in regulating anxiety and alcohol consumption in rats. Lower levels of BDNF in specific areas of the brain increased anxiety and drinking behavior, while restoring normal BDNF levels diminished these effects.
A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that individuals with more alcoholic relatives are more likely to experience alcohol-related problems. The research used data from 376 male participants over 20 years, analyzing the relationships between response to alcohol, family history, and various outcomes.
A study found that naltrexone increased the urge to drink in individuals with a positive family history, suggesting genetic factors at play. The OPRM1 gene was identified as a key genetic moderator of naltrexone's effects on alcohol cue reactivity.