Articles tagged with Alcoholism
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.
A significant number of Australian women (over 300,000) are drinking at very high-risk levels, with a greater proportion of men consuming alcohol at similar rates. Women are more susceptible to health problems from excessive drinking and may be affected by their natural biological rhythms.
A recent study found that the combination of alcohol and cabin pressure during long-haul flights can lower blood oxygen levels and raise heart rates, even in young and healthy individuals. The researchers suggest that restricting access to alcohol on board may be necessary to protect passenger heart health.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found that young adults who were heavy drinkers before the pandemic reduced their alcohol consumption significantly during and after the pandemic. The study also showed a decrease in negative emotions and no change in using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Research using 2011-2021 data found limited associations between recreational cannabis legalization and adolescent substance use. Recreational cannabis retail sales were linked to lower e-cigarette use and an increased frequency of cannabis use among users, leading to no overall change in cannabis use.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
Research analyzed genetic data from 3 million individuals and found connections between gene variants influencing alcohol use and many non-alcohol-related conditions. Individuals with protective alleles had better health but also worse outcomes in certain areas, such as tobacco use and skin cancer.
A new study found that shortening overnight operations at bars and taverns reduced homicides by 51% within the first month and by 40% annually. Reducing late-night alcohol sales also decreased all violent crimes by 23% annually in a Baltimore neighborhood.
A recent survey study reveals binge drinking is more prevalent among sports wagering individuals compared to nongamblers and non–sports gamblers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address excessive alcohol consumption in this demographic.
Researchers have found that LY2444296, a compound blocking the kappa opioid receptor, significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms and alcohol consumption in rats with alcohol dependence. The study suggests that blocking this receptor could lead to new treatment options for people experiencing alcohol use disorder.
A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol use disorder and suicide mortality across genders. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol use disorder as part of comprehensive suicide prevention strategies.
A recent study by Flinders University found that parents are conflicted and concerned about zero-alcohol drinks due to their similarity in taste and appearance. The research suggests that providing these drinks to adolescents may normalize alcohol consumption, leading to increased risks of harm.
A survey study reveals primary care pediatricians lack preparedness in managing adolescent OUD, with a notable gap compared to other substance use disorders. The results underscore the importance of workforce training programs to address this critical healthcare issue.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...
A study by University of Georgia researchers found female farmers report higher levels of stress and are more likely to binge drink when they do consume alcohol. The pattern holds true for those who own or manage farms, where women face unique challenges in male-dominated industries.
A new study found that African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, and young adults are less likely to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings compared to White counterparts. The study also found that these disparities have persisted despite the evolution of AA and the availability of alternative mutual-help groups.
A new study by Staffordshire University has found that stigma in drug and alcohol treatment services can lead to emotional harm for women. The research reveals that women are often stigmatised and shamed when seeking support from professionals.
A new study suggests that using artificial intelligence to scan surgery patients' medical records can identify those with risky drinking habits who may benefit from education or treatment. The AI system analyzed over 53,000 patient records and found three times more patients with high-risk alcohol use than diagnosis codes alone.
Researchers found that reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder. This suggests that a more nuanced perspective on measuring treatment success may be beneficial.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine identifies pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a critical player in heavy alcohol consumption. PACAP's action in the brain's bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) region is found to be linked to increased stress responses and excessive drinking behavior.
A new study identified 60 alcohol-associated circulating metabolites that appear to produce counteractive effects on the risk of heart disease. The findings suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may trigger changes in metabolomic profiles, yielding both beneficial and harmful outcomes.
Recent research from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that even modest reductions in alcohol consumption and participation in treatment can improve quality of life for older adults aged 60 and above with notable alcohol intake. A study utilizing data from the Elderly Study found significant improvements across all domains, i...
Researchers tested EMDR, a therapy proven to treat PTSD and depression, to reduce addiction cravings. The study found Addiction-focused EMDR was as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for cravings, reducing symptoms by clinically significant amounts.
Researchers found that changes in voice patterns predicted alcohol intoxication with 98% accuracy. The study suggests that smartphones and smart speakers could be used to deliver 'just-in-time interventions' to prevent injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents.
The new Canadian guideline aims to reduce harms associated with high-risk drinking and support people's treatment and recovery from AUD. It provides 15 evidence-based recommendations for primary health care providers to implement effective screening and treatment interventions.
A Swedish study finds that fathers' parental leave is associated with a 34% decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations among fathers, as well as smaller decreases over time. The policy change led to increased fathers' use of parental leave, which may explain the observed health benefits.
A study of 69,000 adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection found no difference in sustained virologic response across alcohol use categories. This suggests that restricting access to direct-acting antiviral therapy based on alcohol use may create unnecessary barriers for patients. The findings challenge HCV elimination goals.
A new NIH grant will investigate the impact of combined alcohol and e-cigarette use on the blood brain barrier, a cell layer regulating substance passage into the central nervous system. The study aims to identify mechanisms behind damage and potential biomarkers for clinical use.
A $3 million grant will support a culturally tailored group-based intervention to prevent alcohol addiction and consequences in Pacific Islander young adults. The study aims to address the extreme risk of alcohol abuse in this population, which has been linked to high rates of alcohol use disorder.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
A neglected brain region has been identified as a key player in addiction recovery. The supplementary motor cortex was found to be hyperexcitable in individuals with cocaine use disorders, even after withdrawal periods of 45 days. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.
Researchers have discovered that gene therapy may prevent relapse in patients with serious alcohol addiction by altering dopamine function in the brain's mesolimbic reward pathway. The treatment involves sustained release of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in a specific region of the brain.
A study of 15,000 adults found that alcohol consumption and risky drinking behaviors were prevalent among cancer survivors. The findings highlight the need for additional research to address the emerging concern of alcohol consumption in cancer patients.
A recent study found a significantly higher rate of increase in deaths among female individuals due to alcohol-related causes. The findings underscore the importance of investigating specific factors contributing to this trend.
Researchers found that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) can restore spatial working memory and reduce withdrawal symptoms in mice exposed to alcohol. KRG suppresses the PKA-CREB signaling pathway and inhibits neuroinflammation, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic intervention for treating alcohol use disorder.
A study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research found that a group of genes involved in neuronal plasticity and pain perception are also associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk. These genes work together to influence neural communication, leading to changes in brain function that can contribute to AUDs.
A study by Dr. Mary Beth Miller found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia effectively reduced negative outcomes associated with excessive drinking among veterans. CBT improved insomnia symptoms, which in turn decreased cravings and negative behaviors related to alcohol consumption.