Articles tagged with Alcoholism
A study found that US college students have a similar risk of alcohol-related problems as their non-college attending peers, despite higher rates of heavy drinking. The research used data from the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse and compared the drinking habits of young adults in college to those not in college.
Research suggests that alcohol alters gene expression in the brain, contributing to addiction symptoms like tolerance and physical dependence. Gene expression profiling has identified specific genes and pathways involved in alcohol's effects on different brain regions.
Computer-based brief interventions using elements like feedback, empathy, and personal responsibility can effectively reduce drinking. Programs such as Drinker's Check-up, e-CHUG, and MyStudentBody.com show promising results in reducing heavy drinking and negative consequences.
Research found that adolescent brain function is vulnerable to disruption from binge drinking, resulting in permanent damage. Heavy drinking during adolescence can impair problem-solving skills, working memory, and emotional reactivity, increasing the risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorders.
A 2001-2002 survey found that 25% of individuals with alcohol dependence are now dependent, 27.3% are in partial remission, and 11.8% are asymptomatic risk drinkers. The likelihood of abstinent recovery increased with age and certain factors such as marriage, family history of alcoholism, and fewer symptoms of dependence.
A study found that individuals with the G variant of the OPRM1 gene have a greater likelihood of experiencing stronger subjective feelings from alcohol and a higher risk of developing alcohol-use disorders. This genetic difference affects how the brain responds to endogenous opiates, influencing motivation and reinforcement.
New research suggests a link between galanin and alcohol consumption, as well as its effects on food intake. Galanin was found to increase voluntary alcohol intake in rodents, but not food intake. A galanin receptor antagonist also reduced alcohol drinking, suggesting a potential role for these compounds in treating alcohol dependence.
Research found that cigarette smoking accelerates brain damage in individuals with alcohol dependence, particularly in the frontal lobes. This can lead to compromised executive functions, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation. Chronic smoking also impairs neuronal viability and cell membranes in other brain regions.
A new study found that alcoholics show deficits in visuoperception and frontal executive functioning even with prolonged sobriety. Researchers assessed visuoperception and perceptual learning tasks in detoxified alcoholic men compared to control men, revealing differences in cognitive processes and memory strategies.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research suggests that variants of the BDNF gene may play a role in vulnerability to alcohol withdrawal-associated delirium tremens and violence while intoxicated. The study found a significant association between the G196A polymorphism and AA genotypes/A allele frequencies in al...
Binge drinking was associated with a 73% higher death rate after heart attacks compared to non-binging patients. The study also found that survivors who binged during the year prior to their heart attack were 1.91 times more likely to die of any cause in the next several years.
The study found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism were less sensitive to ketamine and exhibited altered NMDA receptor function. This suggests a genetic predisposition to vulnerability to heavy drinking in the presence of environmental and social factors.
A recent study examined the genetic factors underlying a low response to alcohol and found potential links to several gene categories. The research suggests that these genes could play a significant role in the development of alcoholism, particularly in individuals who experience little or no effect from drinking.
A study in flies reveals that rapid and chronic tolerance operate via different neurobiological mechanisms and genes. Rapid tolerance is blocked by a drug inhibiting protein synthesis, while a fly mutant lacking octopamine shows reduced rapid tolerance.
Researchers found that more alcohol is consumed in beer form than previously believed, with a national mean alcohol content of beer ranging from 4.58% to 4.75%. This translates to approximately 10 additional standard drinks yearly for each person aged 14 or older in the US.
Research suggests that binge drinking has a detrimental effect on platelet adhesion and aggregation, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, moderate red wine consumption may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease due to its high polyphenol count.
Research finds that rates of drinking among American youth have remained relatively stable since the 1990s, with high prevalence rates among 8th-12th graders. The study highlights the need for new approaches to reduce alcohol use and its associated risks.
According to a recent study, youth drinking rates have stabilized in the US since the early 1990s, with over 80% of adolescents consuming alcohol by age 12th-grader. The stable prevalence rates are concerning, highlighting the need for continued efforts to prevent underage drinking.
Research suggests a combination of sweet liking and novelty seeking can predict alcoholism in individuals, particularly children of alcoholic fathers. Sweet likers with high novelty seeking are more likely to develop alcoholism due to related brain function and sensitivity to rewarding effects.
Researchers found that women experiencing depressive symptoms, binge drinking, or smoking during pregnancy may be at risk for depression and alcohol use during the first postpartum year. Early identification and treatment of these comorbid conditions can benefit both mothers and children.
Researchers found that infant rats willingly ingest large amounts of highly concentrated alcohol during their first exposure, resulting in extremely high blood alcohol levels. This contrasts with adult rats and humans, who typically reject or require initiation procedures to consume alcohol.
A study found that genetic differences are the primary cause of variation in long-term average alcohol intake. Some genes affect both intake and dependence, while others influence only dependence. The research suggests that individuals can make lifestyle choices to improve their health and reduce risk, even with a family history of hea...
The NESARC study reveals high rates of comorbidity between substance use disorders and independent mood and anxiety disorders. Approximately 20% of persons with a current substance use disorder experience a mood or anxiety disorder within the same time period.
Researchers investigated acamprosate's interactions with alcohol in a six-week study. The findings suggest that acamprosate does not alter the rate of absorption or elimination of alcohol by the body, disrupting effects on performance tasks, or most mood effects. This suggests potential as a medication for treating alcoholism.
A study found that Type A alcoholics who took sertraline showed improved treatment response and maintained gains after treatment ended, while Type B alcoholics did not. In contrast, Type B alcoholics experienced increased heavy drinking after receiving sertraline.
A University of Washington study found that adolescent binge drinking is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and other health issues by age 24. The study identified four distinct patterns of binge drinking among teenagers, which can have serious effects on their health.
A study found that men with high trait anger and low anger control are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior when intoxicated. Researchers examined 164 healthy male social drinkers and found that those with high trait anger levels were associated with increased aggression, but only among those who reported low anger control.
A recent study found that college students referred for alcohol interventions, often due to disciplinary actions or medical concerns, exhibit higher rates of binge drinking and problematic use. Brief motivational intervention (BMI) and alcohol education (AE) sessions were effective in reducing alcohol use among these students.
Research suggests moderate drinking may lower heart disease risk in older adults but increase breast cancer risk, particularly among women with family history or hormone replacement therapy. Moderate consumption also appears to reduce the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a gene, CREB, that regulates brain function during development and learning. Mice with only one copy of the CREB gene exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors and consumed more alcohol than normal littermates.
A study found that nearly 8 out of 10 establishments sold alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons, with younger servers more likely to serve. The study suggests increasing enforcement, comprehensive training, and permitting dram-shop liability lawsuits could reduce such incidents.
A study found that moderate alcohol consumption increases plasma DHEAS levels in both men and women, decreases testosterone in men, and has no effect on estradiol levels. These findings suggest that DHEAS may play a protective role against atherosclerosis.
Researchers used gene therapy to increase dopamine D2 receptor levels, reducing preference for alcohol and consumption by half in genetically predisposed rats. The treatment showed significant reductions in drinking preference and consumption in both groups, with the greatest effects observed within days of treatment.
Researchers identified a strong association between gene GABRA2 and the risk of alcoholism. The study found that tiny differences in this gene are associated with both alcoholism and brainwave patterns linked to alcoholics.
Research reveals that college women are more likely to experience sexual and nonsexual victimization on days they drink, particularly when consuming heavily. The study found that the odds of experiencing aggression were nine times higher on heavy drinking days compared to non-drinking days.
A study found that community-based heavy drinkers have clear brain metabolite changes associated with lower brain function and are likely of behavioral significance. Brain damage is detectable even in those who function relatively well in the community.
A study found that even light to moderate drinking during pregnancy may cause learning and memory difficulties in adolescents. Researchers assessed 580 children and their mothers, and discovered an association between low levels of alcohol consumption and subtle difficulties with verbal/auditory abilities at 14 years old.
Research reveals a strong relationship between drugs of abuse, stress, and the amygdala, suggesting CRF receptor blockers may be a new therapeutic for alcoholics. The study highlights the complex neurobiology of addiction, with compounds blocking CRF receptors potentially providing relief from relapse.
Recent studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be effective in treating social anxiety in alcohol-dependent individuals, particularly those with severe depression. Additionally, anticonvulsants like sodium valproate and atypical antipsychotics like clozapine show promise in reducing alcohol use among bi...
Researchers have found that genetic variations can affect an individual's response to alcohol, with some genes contributing to increased sensitivity and others to tolerance. The study suggests that understanding these biological markers can help develop new treatments for alcohol dependence.
A study found that genetic variation can influence motivation to drink alcohol, particularly to alleviate social anxiety and improve mood. This can lead to enhanced behaviors that increase the risk for alcoholism. The study suggests a link between genetic factors and drinking motives, providing insight into the biology of alcoholism.
The study found an association between a specific GABA receptor gene and alcohol dependence, suggesting a potential genetic link. The findings support the idea that brain overactivation may contribute to predisposition to alcoholism.
Researchers have identified a consistent association between alcohol dependence and the GABRG3 gene, which may suggest a genetic predisposition to increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study found that this gene plays a role in influencing the risk for alcoholism by altering brain state and circuit activity.
Researchers discovered that rats bred to prefer alcohol were healthier and lived longer than those bred to avoid it, regardless of drinking habits. The study found that genetic factors, rather than alcohol consumption itself, contributed to the longevity difference.
A study found that behavioral anger contributes the most to alcohol-related aggression among men and women. Researchers examined healthy social drinkers and found that those with higher behavioral and cognitive anger scores were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior when intoxicated. The findings suggest that understanding the rel...
A study found that individuals with high levels of social anxiety use alcohol more often to relieve social discomfort and avoid social situations without alcohol. They experience greater relief from anxiety in social situations, but not full relief, suggesting a self-medication strategy that may lead to increased risk of alcoholism.
Researchers found that a compound blocking NPY activity delays alcohol self-administration and reduces rewarding effects of alcohol in mice. This study suggests L-152,804 has potential as a treatment for alcoholism.
A study found that individuals with co-existing alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder exhibit reduced responsiveness to aversive stimuli, including unpleasant photographs. This hyporesponsivity may facilitate maladaptive behavior and increase vulnerability to problems like criminality and substance abuse.
The study found that children of MZ and DZ twins with a history of alcohol dependence were significantly more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence than those with non-alcoholic fathers. A low-risk environment can moderate the impact of high genetic risk regarding offspring for the development of alcohol-use disorders.
A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that alcohol dependence is a concern in American Indian communities, but rates are lower than previously reported. The research highlights cultural differences in alcohol use and dependence among Northern Plains and Southwest tribes.
A study suggests that college students overestimate the amount of fluid needed for a standard drink, leading to significantly higher actual consumption. This could underestimate actual drinking levels on college campuses, exacerbating alcohol misuse issues.
Researchers found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to prefer sweet tastes than those without. This preference precedes the development of alcoholism and may serve as a marker for genetic risk. The study suggests that a simple test to assess sweet preference could help identify individuals at risk ear...
Researchers found that adolescent binge drinking leads to tolerance in various biological functions, including altered liver function and brain function. This tolerance can last into adulthood, highlighting the importance of studying its effects during adolescence.
A study found that repeated alcohol detoxifications are associated with increased impairment of cognitive function, specifically frontal-lobe damage. Patients with two or more previous withdrawals performed worse than those with fewer or no experiences in tasks requiring attention and executive function.
Researchers identified a distinct phenotype of individuals with co-existing ADHD and alcoholism, characterized by increased severity of alcohol dependence and earlier age of onset. Adults with ADHD were found to be at high risk of developing an alcohol-use disorder, with a significantly higher daily intake of alcohol.
A study found that chronic drinking elevates cortisol levels both during intoxication and withdrawal, impacting overall health. Elevated cortisol is also associated with increased risk of medical and psychiatric problems such as diabetes and cognitive deficits.
Research confirms that female alcoholics experience more severe cardiovascular effects from heavy drinking than male counterparts, with these effects emerging sooner and at lower consumption levels. This phenomenon, known as 'telescoping,' highlights the need for women to be aware of their increased risk of heart disease due to alcohol...
A study examines ethnic differences among adolescents who engage in drinking after driving (DD) and riding with drinking drivers (RWDD), finding a distinct need to direct prevention efforts toward Latino youth. RWDD is identified as even more dangerous than DD for adolescents.
A study found that individuals with lower educational attainment experienced poorer drinking outcomes following alcohol treatment, including a shorter time to relapse. The researchers suggest that future studies address issues related to matching patients to optimal treatments.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics experience persistent sleep disruptions for many months after quitting drinking, with problems with sleep onset being worse than sleep maintenance. Many former alcoholics reported pre-existing sleep problems that predated their alcohol dependence.