Articles tagged with Alcoholism
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Individuals who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence throughout their lives. A national survey found that 47% of those who started drinking before age 14 experienced alcohol dependence during their lifetimes.
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.
A study found that establishments with monthly staff meetings were less likely to serve intoxicated customers, while those with inexperienced managers were more likely to do so. This has implications for alcohol control policies and the importance of regular staff training.
A longitudinal study in California found that areas with more bars and off-premise establishments have higher rates of violent assaults. The researchers used hospital discharge data to control for reporting biases and found independent relationships between outlet density and violence rates.
Research found that novelty seeking personality trait amplifies risk associated with parental alcoholism, while low novelty seeking may diminish it. The study analyzed data from 1,111 adult siblings and established diagnoses of alcohol dependence and personality scores for parents.
A study found that light-to-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with lower IQs in offspring at 10 years of age. The effects were worse for African-American children, and a second trimester drinking pattern had the most significant impact on intellectual functioning.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence without PTSD exhibit a disconnect between emotional distress and biological stress response to stress tests. They are more likely to relapse during the follow-up period due to this disruption.
A recent study by Duke University Medical Center and the University of California, San Diego found that a significant minority of college students consume excessive amounts of alcohol, often beyond the binge-drinking threshold. The study suggests that shifting focus towards these heavy drinkers could help reduce harm caused by alcohol ...
A recent study found that women of child-bearing age in the US are still at risk of heavy drinking, with 4% pregnant at the time of the interview. The study also highlights the issue of unplanned pregnancies and the need for information campaigns targeting alcohol consumption among young women.
The studies reveal that integrated treatments benefit patients with multiple psychological problems and that cooperation between judiciary and addiction care provides added benefits. Effective prevention programs are also available for young people, while animal experimental research offers perspectives on human addiction research.
Recent medical advances in drug treatment for alcoholics are seen as positive news, but recovery requires a combination of treatments addressing physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Dr. Marvin D. Seppala emphasizes the need to better define specific subgroups for medication therapies.
Researchers found that combining medical management, naltrexone, or therapy can significantly help people with alcohol disease. The study, COMBINE, included 1,383 subjects and showed that just nine 20-minute sessions with a medical professional yields good clinical results.
A study by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism who exhibit behavioral disinhibition are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. This group shows working-memory deficits and an attraction to reward-taking challenges.
Research suggests that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to long-lasting alterations in the ability to synchronize circadian rhythms with environmental cues. This can result in behavioral problems, such as sleep disorders, attention issues, and mood regulation difficulties. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ...
A study found that both alcoholism and chronic smoking alter gene expression in the human prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, fear, and emotion. This suggests a common underlying mechanism for addiction and may lead to therapeutic solutions or pharmaceuticals.
Researchers have identified 20 candidate genes that regulate alcohol preference, shedding light on the genetic factors underlying excessive drinking. The study suggests that differences in brain function and homeostasis may contribute to an individual's reaction to alcohol.
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.
Researchers found that individuals with Korsakoff Syndrome retain visual learning ability despite explicit memory impairment. Visuoperceptual learning, a component of implicit memory, was shown to be preserved in KS patients.
A study found that American Indians with alcohol abuse or dependence have significantly higher rates of medical conditions, including sprains, hearing problems, and kidney issues. The researchers also noted that the total count of medical conditions is related to the severity of alcohol use.
Researchers found that combining alcohol with energy drinks like Red Bull significantly reduced perceived symptoms of impairment, including fatigue and dizziness. However, objective measures of motor coordination and reaction time remained impaired, highlighting the need for caution when consuming both substances.
Recovering alcoholics who smoked showed significantly less improvement in brain function and neurochemical markers of brain cell health compared to those who didn't smoke. Quitting smoking may be beneficial for better brain recovery from alcoholism, suggests a study.
A comprehensive scientific study explores the impact of social supports, spirituality, and religiousness on quality of life and long-term recovery from addiction. The research found that participation in 12-step fellowship programs and social support networks significantly enhances recovery outcomes.
A recent study found that additive genetic factors contribute to variation in alcohol consumption among rhesus monkeys, accounting for 20% of total variation. Environmental effects are also significant, with mother-reared animals drinking significantly less than others.
A study found that genetic variants in the COMT gene, Val158Met, are associated with different drinking patterns and comorbidity among Plains American Indians. The Met allele was protective against alcoholism, while the Val allele was a risk factor for smoking, particularly in women.
Daughters of alcoholics exhibit distinct risk factors, with behavioral undercontrol being a strong mediator for both genders. Gender-specific differences are observed in behavior and the impact of parental alcoholism history, particularly for women.
Research highlights insulin, BDNF, and GDNF as critical growth factors regulating alcohol's effects, including intoxication sensitivity and consumption behaviors. The study suggests these factors have potential applications in treating alcohol addiction.
Research suggests that chronic drinking and smoking both lead to significant brain structural abnormalities, including reduced gray matter and neuronal injury. Chronic smoking may also hinder recovery during abstinence from alcohol, leading to impaired cognitive function.
A study of 545 adolescents found that parental alcoholism was associated with early onset and persistent drug use throughout young adulthood. Marriage was also linked to lower levels of drug use, but its effect was limited by the lower marriage rates among children of alcoholics.
A study of 2,805 US workers found that 1.8% have consumed alcohol before work and 7.1% drink during the day, with men and younger workers more affected. Most workplace alcohol use is infrequent, but its impact on productivity and safety is significant.
A study by Washington University researchers found a single base variation in the TAS2R16 receptor gene that increases the risk of alcohol dependence, with higher incidence in African Americans and lower sensitivity to bitter tastes among those with this variant.
A nine-year study found that alcohol deterrents can help patients achieve long-term abstinence, with an abstinence rate of over 50 percent. The study suggests that the psychological role of ADs plays a key role in relapse prevention and maintenance of abstinence.
A study found that across-the-board price increases may not lead to a decrease in alcohol sales. Instead, individuals tend to switch to cheaper alternatives, potentially increasing overall consumption. The research highlights the importance of considering consumer choice and beverage quality when implementing policy interventions.
Research shows female rats less sensitive to sedating effects of alcohol, cycling hormonal levels mediate effects; adult women may become less sensitive to sedation as they mature. The study emphasizes the need to explore how factors associated with the estrous cycle affect sex differences in alcohol's effects.
The NIH is funding two new biomedical technology resource centers to develop innovative image-guided therapy technologies and advance glycomics research. The centers will provide critical resources for scientists and clinicians, including image processing tools, dynamic MRI methods, and novel therapy techniques.
A recent study found that Latina women who are highly acculturated to American society tend to drink more than those who are not. Acculturation is also associated with changes in drinking norms and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce consumption.
Researchers identified chromosome four genes affecting drinking behaviors in smokers, providing evidence for genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption. The study suggests that variations in these genes may affect who will develop regular drinking behavior after initial exposure.
A study found that young adults who did not attend college have high levels of hazardous alcohol use, similar to those of their college-educated peers. Men with a college degree experienced the greatest increase in at-risk drinking, while women with no formal education had the highest levels of consumption and drunkenness.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests a genetic link between caffeine dependence and family history of alcoholism. The research found that women with both risk factors were unable to stop consuming caffeine despite physician recommendations, highlighting the need for targeted intervention.
A recent study found considerable variation in drink size, particularly for spirits and wine, which can affect individuals' ability to track their alcohol consumption. The study suggests that using a single standard drink size of 0.6 ounces may be helpful for simplifying messages about safe drinking limits.