Articles tagged with Alcoholism
Chronic alcoholism damages the cerebellum and frontal lobes, leading to motor deficits that persist even after long-term abstinence. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals that alcoholics' brains compensate for damage by recruiting new brain regions to perform simple tasks.
Scientists have identified a new brain region, the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, involved in alcohol craving. Urocortin levels in this region correspond with an animal's desire to drink alcohol, suggesting that reducing urocortin may help reduce alcohol craving.
Researchers found neighborhood density and server characteristics impact alcohol sales to minors and intoxicated individuals. Higher Hispanic population neighborhoods had higher rates of alcohol sales.
A Mayo Clinic Proceedings study found that overall mortality is not increased among community patients with anorexia nervosa. However, deaths do occur, and further research is needed to define the association of suicide and alcoholism in these patients. The study adds to the knowledge of anorexia nervosa's long-term consequences.
Researchers have found that addictive drugs, such as cocaine, morphine, and amphetamines, increase the sensitivity of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Stress triggers a similar response, which may lead to addiction. The study's findings could help develop new treatments for addiction.
Research suggests self-control can be depleted, leading to increased difficulty with problem-solving and impulse control. Replenishing self-control through rest and positive emotional experiences may help overcome behavioral health problems like addiction.
A study found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with greater severity of barroom aggression, but not the initial likelihood of aggression. Environmental factors like dim lighting and encouragement from onlookers also play a significant role in severe brawls.
Key findings from brain bank research highlight the importance of standardized protocols and consideration of quality-related factors. The use of brain banks has led to a better understanding of alcohol-induced brain shrinkage, with potential implications for prevention and reversal of this condition.
Research highlights the strong association between gambling disorders (GDs) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs), suggesting therapy should focus on breaking unconscious associations between winning and drinking. Co-therapy may lead to better outcomes for GDs, particularly among those with AUDs.
Research highlights the association between drinking and physical aggression, finding that heavy drinking increases the risk of domestic violence by eight times. Effective prevention and treatment interventions require understanding the link between alcohol and IPV, particularly among minority groups.
A survey of 1,069 high school students found that teens consider 'avoiding environments with alcohol' and 'talking with friends or other informal supports' as effective strategies to cut back on drinking. Formal counseling was more useful for quitting than reducing drinking, according to the teens.
A recent study published by Michigan Medicine found that 15% of pregnant women consume alcohol, with most having less than one drink per week. However, a subgroup at high risk is identified, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to assess and counsel drinking behavior during prenatal visits.
A recent study found that more than 1 in 10 pregnant women consume alcohol during pregnancy. The research suggests that despite public awareness of the dangers, many women still drink while pregnant. Health care providers may play a crucial role in detecting drinking and providing timely interventions to protect fetal health.
A study found a strong connection between behavioral undercontrol and the stimulating effects of alcohol, placing individuals at greater risk for developing alcohol problems. Those who experience higher levels of stimulation while drinking tend to have higher levels of drinking behavior.
A study confirms that individuals born more recently have higher rates of alcohol dependence, contrary to the age effect seen in other diseases. The study's findings suggest a potential 'epidemic' of alcoholism among young people, although underreporting and familial factors may also play a role.
A study found that religious service attendance is associated with lower rates of binge drinking in non-Jewish college students, but not in Jewish college students. In contrast, being religiously Jewish and having a stronger sense of Jewish identity are linked to lower levels of alcohol consumption.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research explores the relationship between alcoholism and serotonin. Researchers found that a specific drug probe did not elicit a hormonal response in abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects, suggesting alternative explanations for the connection between serotonin and alcohol depen...
Researchers found that teen-age girls with a history of depression display enhanced alpha activity in the brain, indicating a consistent abnormality. A family history of alcoholism is associated with beta activity in a different region, suggesting potential biological markers for liability to alcoholism or depression.
A new study documents the unique ways women overcome substance abuse, challenging earlier research that assumed a single path to recovery. Women's experiences highlight the importance of self-discovery and addressing underlying issues like domestic violence and low self-esteem.
Researchers identified a gene on chromosome 1 linked to drinking patterns in individuals with anxiety-type behavior. The study suggests that studying quantitative measures of drinking may help identify genes involved in alcohol use and problematic drinking.
Researchers evaluated saccadic performance in adults with a family history of alcoholism, finding they were slower than those without a history. The study suggests that adaptive response to alcohol is associated with a family-history status known to be associated with genetic influence on alcoholism risk.
A study found that light to moderate drinking during pregnancy can lead to growth deficits in adolescents, affecting their weight, height, and head circumference. The researchers also identified a dose-response relation between gestational exposure and growth deficits, with effects seen even at low levels of alcohol consumption.
A recent study has identified a rare gene variant, ADH2*2, as a protective factor against alcohol dependence in Jewish individuals. Those with the variant gene tend to drink less frequently and experience more unpleasant reactions to alcohol.
A new study found that moderate alcohol consumption increases levels of good cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and protects against heart disease in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that drinking in moderation may be beneficial for women's heart health after menopause, similar to men.
A study found that naltrexone significantly reduced relapse rates among Spanish patients with a Mediterranean drinking pattern, demonstrating its effectiveness when combined with psycho-social intervention. The results suggest that naltrexone can be a suitable treatment option for European alcohol-dependent patients.
Researchers found that women married to alcoholics are more likely to meet criteria for alcoholism themselves, use illicit drugs, and be current smokers. The study also suggests that understanding the mother's characteristics is crucial in interpreting the father's AUDs.
Researchers found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism reported greater feelings of intoxication initially, but quickly adapted and developed acute tolerance to alcohol. This suggests that genetic factors may contribute to the development of tolerance, potentially increasing drinking habits in those with a family history.
A study by Sandra L. Morzorati found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism exhibit greater feelings of intoxication after consuming alcohol, but adapt quickly to its effects. This adaptation may lead to increased drinking in people with a family history of the disease.
Researchers found that adenylyl cyclase activity levels were more sensitive to recent alcohol consumption in subjects with a family history of alcoholism. Chronic marijuana users had substantially higher adenylyl cyclase activity levels, suggesting possible abnormal metabolism or product of marijuana use.
Research found that heavy drinkers exhibit a 'biphasic' response to alcohol, experiencing increased stimulation and euphoria during rising blood alcohol concentrations, but sedation and fatigue during declining levels. In contrast, light drinkers showed only sedation and no positive mood changes.
Scientists have identified several genes that affect how much alcohol reaches the brain and how long it remains there, shedding light on individual differences in alcohol metabolism. The findings could lead to new treatments for alcoholism and highlight the importance of further research into the genetic factors involved.
Researchers examined abstinent alcoholics and healthy controls to investigate motor functioning, finding impaired limb movements, gait, and postural stability. Alcoholic men showed slower movement speeds and jerky movements, while women displayed less impairment but still struggled with postural instability.
A new study confirms that binge drinking can cause neuronal damage in the brain. Damage to the olfactory bulb occurred after just two days of 'binge drinking', while other regions were damaged after four days. The study suggests that alcohol-induced brain damage occurs during intoxication, not withdrawal.
A study found that nearly 16% of alcoholics had attempted suicide, and first-degree relatives of those who attempted suicide were more likely to have made attempts as well. The risk factors included a history of severe alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders.
New research examines how managed care affects access to alcohol and drug treatment, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and accountability. Studies show that prior authorization requirements can set up barriers to timely treatment and that longer retention rates are associated with more positive outcomes.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic locus associated with fundamental human brain oscillations, contributing to the understanding of brain neuroelectric activity and providing new insights into alcoholism risk. The study found an association between beta EEG frequencies and a cluster of genes located on chromosome 4.
Researchers will explore neuroadaptation, reinforcement, tolerance, sensitization, withdrawal, and relapse to improve treatment and preventive interventions. The INIA consortium aims to clarify the molecular and cellular underpinnings of excessive drinking behavior.
Research suggests that chronic alcohol consumption leads to long-lasting brain changes that promote relapse. Stressful cues and environmental triggers also contribute to relapse drinking. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective treatments, such as medications and behavioral therapies.
A study found that alcoholic women exhibit impaired working memory and visuospatial abilities, which remain significant even after abstinence. The researchers also discovered that female hormones may offer some protection against these impairments.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that the ADH2*3 allele may be associated with a lowered risk for developing alcoholism in young African American adults. The allele, which is prevalent among people of African descent, has been linked to faster and more efficient alcohol metabolism.
Researchers found that individuals who took naltrexone for at least two months had fewer heavy drinking days and urges to drink, while coping skills training provided lasting benefits in reducing relapse severity.
A study found that individuals with the ALDH2 gene tend to have a stronger unpleasant response to alcohol, which may reduce high-risk expectancies. This genetic factor influences what people learn about the benefits of drinking, particularly in men.
A comprehensive program combining naltrexone, communication skills training, and cue exposure training significantly reduced heavy drinking days and urges to drink. Patients who received the communications and coping skills training were less likely to report a relapse day.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers have found evidence that alcohol inhibits the actions of key proteins called N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in specific regions of the brain. This new interaction affects brain regions involved in memory formation and higher mental functions.
The Combining Medications and Behavioral Interventions (COMBINE) study evaluates the effectiveness of behavioral treatments alone and in combination with medications for treating alcoholism. Researchers at Yale University are recruiting participants to participate in the study.
Research suggests a genetic polymorphism in neuropeptide Y may decrease risk of Type I and II alcoholism, a surprise finding that challenges previous expectations. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, found the Pro(7) substitution to be associated with lower rates of alcohol dependence.
Research found that knocking out delta opioid receptor increased anxiety and led to increased drinking behavior in mice. The study suggests a potential link between the endogenous opioid system, stress, and alcohol consumption.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that increased D2 receptor levels in rats, leading to a significant drop in alcohol intake. The treatment showed promise in reducing drinking preference and behavior in both groups of rats.
Researchers found that an early AFD is associated with increased rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and educational underachievement. Early drinking is also linked to genetic risk for disinhibitory behaviors, suggesting it may be a symptom rather than a cause of alcoholism.
Research at the University of Minnesota suggests that early drinking is a symptom of an underlying predisposition to alcoholism and other behavioral problems. Early drinkers are more likely to experience drug abuse, delinquency, antisocial behavior, and decreased educational attainment.
The study found that the nucleus accumbens responds proportionally to increasing rewards but not punishments, linking reward-related feelings to this brain area. Increasing reward cues evoked increasing self-rated happiness and nucleus accumbens activity.
Research finds a link between family history of alcoholism, serotonin variation, and behavioral problems in children. Children with a genetic variant associated with increased serotonin reuptake are more likely to exhibit impulsivity, depression, and anxiety.
Researchers used gene array technology to analyze brain gene expression in human alcoholism, identifying extensive reprogramming of the frontal cortex. This study provides insight into the molecular neurocircuitry altered by chronic alcohol abuse, shedding light on tolerance, dependence, and neurotoxicity.
Researchers found that smokers with a past history of alcoholism have increased nicotine self-administration and rewarding effects, suggesting a link between the two addictive behaviors. The study suggests that medications to block nicotine dependence and counseling may be effective in helping these individuals quit smoking.
Researchers at UNC-CH have found a strong correlation between men's preference for sweet tastes and whether their twin brothers liked sweets too. The study suggests that genes may be linked to the urge to drink alcohol.
A recent study found that 57% of women who drank in bars reported experiencing verbal or physical aggression. Women should be aware of their own risky behaviors and the bar environment's impact on aggression.
A recent study suggests that naltrexone's effectiveness in treating alcoholism may be influenced by individual metabolism. Measuring blood levels of the medication's major metabolite, 6-beta-naltrexol, may help determine the optimal dosage for each patient. This approach could lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced relapse rates.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ondansetron, a serotonin-based medication, reduced drinks per day and increased abstinence rates in patients with early-onset alcoholism. The researchers suggest that ondansetron may ameliorate an inherited serotonergic abnormality in this subtype.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge-pattern exposure to alcohol during adolescence can disrupt working memory and make the brain more vulnerable to cell death. The study suggests that teenagers who drink heavily and often may be especially susceptible to the neurobehavioral effects ...
A study examining the link between fathers' alcoholism and male, elementary-school-aged children's intellectual, cognitive, and academic performance reveals children of antisocial alcoholics display lower intellectual performance, poorest academic achievement, and poorer abstract planning and attention abilities. Parental cognitive abi...