Articles tagged with Alcoholism
This cross-sectional study reveals a substantial rise in alcohol-associated liver disease mortality, particularly among women and younger adults. The findings highlight the importance of targeted public health initiatives to address this growing health concern.
Researchers have identified a specific group of neurons in the brain responsible for suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating alcohol dependency and related health challenges.
A study by Scripps Research found that female rats are more sensitive to alcohol's effects on brain chemistry, even before dependence sets in. The research suggests that certain medications targeting specific receptors could help reduce alcohol consumption in females.
Researchers found that ibudilast works better for women who have lower levels of depression and inflammation. The study, which recruited 102 adults with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, showed that ibudilast did not reduce drinking in most participants, but had a positive effect on female participants.
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
A study found that fewer than half of U.S. adults are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, highlighting a need for increased awareness and action. The findings emphasize the importance of reducing the alcohol-related cancer burden in the US.
A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
A study found that hazardous drinking and daily alcohol consumption were associated with increased odds of abusive and neglectful behaviors among family caregivers of patients with dementia. The findings suggest the importance of addressing caregiving complexities and alcohol use patterns through personalized interventions.
Apremilast reduces both drinking and pain sensitivity in preclinical models of alcohol use disorder, with significant effects observed across biological sexes and strains. The study suggests apremilast could be repurposed as a dual-acting therapy for AUD, particularly in individuals with pain during and after alcohol use.
A new study found that both oral and injectable forms of naltrexone are effective in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients. The medication was administered before discharge, resulting in a significant decrease in heavy drinking within the last 30 days of the three-month follow-up period.
Recent study analysis found that young adult females in the US experience higher rates of past-month binge drinking compared to males. In contrast, older male groups continue to exhibit higher binge drinking rates.
A new study found that death rates from alcohol in England increased by a fifth in 2020, rising further between 2020 and 2022. The largest increases were among men, people from deprived areas, and those aged 50-69, mainly due to liver damage caused by alcohol.
Researchers from Yale University found that participation in faith-based or community-based extracurricular activities can increase U.S. adolescents' awareness of the dangers of binge drinking. The study suggests that these types of activities could play a crucial role in preventing excessive alcohol consumption among young people.
Rats exposed to high amounts of alcohol demonstrated poor decision-making during a complex task even after a monthslong withdrawal period. The team linked the behavioral difficulties to dramatic functional transformations in the dorsomedial striatum, a part of the brain critical for decision-making.
Researchers found females with a history of binge eating start drinking alcohol quicker than males. Increased levels of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) prevent cooccurrence of binging in both sexes of mice.
Brandi Fink's Personal Alcohol Management System (PALMS) uses iPad-based assessments to identify patients with an alcohol use disorder and provide personalized feedback. The system has shown promise in improving patient-provider discussions and reducing drinking levels, with plans for integration into electronic health records.
Researchers are testing a brain pacemaker to treat severe alcohol and opioid addiction, aiming to develop effective treatments and understand the brain mechanisms driving addiction disorders. The trial, known as Brain-PACER, uses deep brain stimulation to modulate brain activity and cravings.
A new study found that sports gambling frequency is associated with the trajectory of alcohol-related problems over time. Screening and treatment interventions are recommended for this high-risk group to prevent further problems.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that practicing episodic future thinking reduced impulsivity and enhanced brain connectivity in key regions. The study suggests that this approach may be a valuable early intervention therapy for substance use disorders.
A history of social isolation and alcohol use may influence how males and females respond to ketamine treatment. Female rats took ketamine more than males, while prior alcohol use increased female rat ketamine intake and changed synapse structure.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial confirms that Ozempic reduces alcohol craving, drinking quantity and the frequency of heavy drinking days. The study found that nearly 40% of people treated with semaglutide reported no heavy drinking days in the last month of treatment.
A clinical trial found that semaglutide significantly reduced weekly alcohol craving, drinking quantity, and the frequency of heavy drinking days in adults with symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Participants who received semaglutide also consumed lower amounts of alcohol during laboratory tests.
The latest issues of APA journals bring together research on addictions, including substances and behaviors. The February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights research on addictions, while Psychiatric Services features articles on various mental health topics.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine challenges conventional notions about alcohol's effects in depressed people who drink excessively. Participants with AUD and depression reported feeling acute, sustained positive and rewarding alcohol effects similar to non-depressed counterparts.
A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
A recent study found that people trying to quit opioids and pain medication experience more relapses compared to others. The research highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches, as some substances require more quit attempts than others.
A cluster randomized trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students found that delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioral interventions to students in the 7th grade reduced risk for substance use disorders by the end of high school. The intervention was associated with a 23%-80% reduced odds of SUD compared...
Experts argue that the UK needs an overarching national strategy to tackle the harms caused by alcohol, with record numbers of deaths in England prompting calls for increased and sustained health funding. Sustained funding is needed for screening and care, as well as industry contribution.
A new study analyzing US data from over 27,500 participants reveals that retirees show more signs of depression than working individuals, with binge drinking exacerbating the issue. Moderate drinking appears to have fewer depressive symptoms compared to abstaining completely.
A new study reveals that more than half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms caused by others. The findings show that students who identified as White, cisfemale, or transgender, and those living with roommates, were at greater risk. Commonly reported harms included social harm, sleep disruptions, and emotional hurt.
Two studies suggest that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can improve mental health outcomes for patients with cancer and alcohol use disorder, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts, while also promoting lasting personality changes.
A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists found that estrogen surges promote binge drinking in females, causing them to 'pregame' and consume large quantities of alcohol. The study identifies a neural circuit in the brain where estrogen increases activity, leading to enhanced binge drinking behavior.
A cohort study found that nearly half of participants who consumed alcohol at baseline decreased their alcohol use after initiating anti-obesity medication treatment. The medications, such as naltrexone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), may have properties that lead to reduced cravings for alcohol.
A new study found that nearly 160 million Americans have been harmed by someone else's substance use, with 113 million experiencing harm from alcohol use and 46 million from other drugs. The survey also revealed significant overlap between the two groups, highlighting a major public health issue.
Hospitalization rates for alcohol-induced liver disease rose significantly between 2005 and 2021, with greater absolute increases among older males than younger females. The study highlights the growing burden of this condition and underscores the importance of addressing alcohol-related liver disease.
Researchers found semaglutide and liraglutide substantially decrease AUD hospitalization risk compared to approved medications. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore their efficacy in treating AUD.
A population-based study found that alcohol use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and was sustained post-pandemic. Stress from the pandemic and disrupted access to medical services were identified as potential causes.
A new two-year grant will support research on the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence among bisexual+ young adults. The study aims to identify factors contributing to alcohol-related partner violence and inform interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease and alcohol use disorder are associated with similar gene expression changes in the brain, including inflammation and disrupted cell signaling. This study may inform future targeted treatments for Alzheimer's and highlight the importance of considering alcohol use as a risk factor.
A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.
A new study found that people with opioid or alcohol use disorder who take Ozempic or similar medications have a lower rate of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication. The medication, which treats diabetes and weight-related conditions, may also alter the brain's reward-response pathways associated with substance use.
Research suggests that heavy drinkers may experience long-lasting sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, leading to permanent allodynia. The study identified a potential drug target, endocannabinoid 2-AG metabolism, for treating neuropathic pain associated with chronic and excessive alcohol consumption.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that students who feel a sense of belonging at their university are more likely to binge drink than those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 university students, suggests that feeling connected to the university is associated with higher rates of substance use.
Hospitalizations involving alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) are a significant concern, especially in high-risk individuals. The study found that AWS burden is comparable to complications of other chronic diseases.
A new study confirms that hormonal and biochemical factors affect alcohol dependence in men and women differently, implying the need for sex-specific treatments. Researchers found associations between hormone levels and treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in treating alcoholism.
The UCR medical school is developing a new curriculum to address the substance use crisis in California, which has resulted in over 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths. The curriculum aims to promote access to treatment and health equity for substance use care, addressing biases and social determinants of health.
A new study finds that four unhealthy behaviors, including smoking and physical inactivity, contribute significantly to socioeconomic disparities in coronary artery disease mortality. The researchers conclude that targeted public health policies can help reduce these disparities and improve heart health for low-income individuals.
A study from University of Gothenburg links work-related pain to mental illness among construction workers. Managers' empathetic or neglectful attitudes are highlighted as key factors in mental health.
A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.
A UK cohort study reveals that even low-risk alcohol consumption is linked to increased mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. The findings suggest that healthier lifestyles may play a role in the observed attenuation of mortality for wine drinkers and those who drink only during meals.
A UTEP study using fruit flies reveals that social settings enhance the stimulant effect of ethanol, linked to increased activity in the D1 dopamine receptor. This finding may lead to a better understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and its vulnerability to social influences.
A national research study found that a lack of institutional support is the top reason doctors are reluctant to discuss addiction with their patients. The study also highlighted knowledge and skill gaps as significant barriers to delivering evidence-based interventions.
Two studies shed light on alcohol consumption and its negative impact on heart function in women taking estrogen replacement therapy. Researchers found that abstinence from alcohol can prevent most alcohol-associated risks of atrial fibrillation, highlighting the potential for new anti-AFib strategies.
A new University of Georgia study reveals that one in five US farmers report binge drinking when they experience high levels of stress. The survey also found that farmers consume alcohol at similar rates as the general public, but those who reported feeling supported by community resources were less likely to drink excessively.
Scripps Research scientists have identified the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus as a key brain region involved in stress-induced oxycodone relapse. Exposure to suvorexant, which blocks orexin signaling, reduced drug-seeking behavior and prevented relapse.
Rural residents with head and neck cancer experience higher mortality rates due to factors like alcohol use, tobacco consumption, and lower HPV vaccination rates. This disparity widens the rural-urban mortality gap.
Researchers discovered that sodium valerate supplementation can dramatically reduce binge drinking behavior and blood ethanol concentration in mice. The study highlights the potential therapeutic role of sodium valerate in reducing excessive alcohol use.
A new study reveals six drinking patterns in Europe, with countries like Estonia and Cyprus showing the highest average alcohol-attributable deaths. The research suggests that changing these patterns requires a cultural shift and may involve implementing effective alcohol policies.