Articles tagged with Alcoholism
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.