Articles tagged with Alcoholism
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A new report from Boston University School of Public Health finds that alcohol causes 1 in 20 deaths in Massachusetts, with a toll of 2,760 fatalities per year. The state's lax alcohol policies and low taxes contribute to the problem.
Research found that states legalizing recreational cannabis saw a slight increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among young adults and men. The study suggests that targeted public health messaging and policy interventions can mitigate problem drinking. However, the impact of long-term effects on binge or heavy drinking is unclear.
Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.
Doctors in the UK are urging the government to raise the legal drinking age for kids from 5 to lower their risk of future alcohol-related problems. Preliminary research suggests that introducing children to alcohol may sensitize their brain's addiction centers, and delaying first exposure may reduce problem drinking later on.
A new study using human brain organoids reveals that prenatal alcohol exposure impairs brain cell development and functioning. The findings confirm the harm inflicted by alcohol on the developing fetus, with effects including faulty brain architecture and impaired electrical activity patterns.
Research at Aston University found a significant link between childhood deprivation and impulsive behavior, leading to addictions and unhealthy choices later in life. The study showed that children from deprived areas had a higher discount rate, indicating a preference for immediate gratification.
A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.
Researchers believe that changes in the brain's orexin system promote drug-seeking behavior and that existing insomnia treatments could reduce or eliminate cravings. Studies have shown that blocking this system reverses addiction in animals and reduces opioid cravings in human subjects.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that parental discord and divorce may be indicators of children's genetic risk for future alcohol misuse. Researchers found that exposure to parents' relationship discord or divorce is associated with increased risk of alcohol use disorder symptoms in adulthood.
A new study by UCL researchers found that problem drinking is associated with a higher risk of suicide and self-harm, particularly among those with 'probable dependence'. The study also identified signs of alcohol negatively impacting people's lives as risk factors.
A Rutgers-led study of over 2,700 pairs of twins found that adolescent alcohol misuse is associated with poorer life satisfaction, physical symptoms, and self-rated health in midlife. The study's findings suggest that teenage drinking may have long-lasting indirect effects on physical health and well-being.
A Rutgers University study found that young women who reported frequent binge drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to become infected with COVID-19. Researchers identified patterns of substance use among young Black and white women and associated them with COVID-19 impacts on health and personal finances.
Researchers found that participants who remained in treatment programs less than 90 days had significantly higher initial cortisol levels, indicating a higher risk of early discontinuation. Lower cortisol levels were associated with longer treatment retention.
A large study of former smokers found that those adhering to evidence-based recommendations for body weight, diet, physical activity, and alcohol intake had a significantly lower risk of death. The study included nearly 160,000 older U.S. adults and showed that better lifestyle habits can reduce mortality risk from various causes.
A new study suggests that spironolactone, a medication for heart problems and high blood pressure, may also be effective in reducing alcohol drinking. The research found that increasing doses of spironolactone decreased alcohol consumption in mice and rats, as well as in humans with excessive alcohol drinking.
Researchers found that mandatory breath testing among commercial drivers had no significant effect on the number of alcohol-related collisions between 2011 and 2020. The trend was similar to non-commercial drivers, suggesting that other measures may be needed to reduce drunk driving.
A new rodent study found that low doses of alcohol can trigger epigenomic and transcriptomic changes in the brain, creating an epigenetic pathway for addiction. The research suggests that even small quantities of alcohol can prime the brain for addiction, regardless of sex or quantity.
Research finds that a single dose of alcohol permanently changes brain structure and function, leading to increased risk of addiction. The study used fruit flies and mice models to show that ethanol-induced changes in mitochondrial dynamics and synapse balance contribute to long-lasting behavioral changes.
A new study found that psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, significantly reduced heavy drinking among participants with alcohol dependence. Eight months after treatment, nearly half of those who received psilocybin stopped drinking altogether.
A study of nearly 3,200 individuals found that electric scooter riders were more likely to be young and intoxicated when injured. Implementing stricter helmet and alcohol policies, improving infrastructure, and awareness campaigns may help reduce injuries among electric scooter users.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that American military veterans are less willing to seek treatment for sleep and alcohol use problems compared to physical health issues. Discrimination experiences also play a significant role in reducing treatment-seeking among veterans of color.
Binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption increased significantly among pregnant women between 2011 and 2020. The average annual percentage change for these behaviors was greater among pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women.
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
A new study found a significant increase in unprotected sex, drinking, smoking, and cannabis use among rejected minorities. Researchers discovered that social rejection is associated with a 9.1% rise in tobacco consumption and a 12.5% increase in cannabis use.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that moderate drinkers who binge drink are at a higher risk of developing multiple alcohol problems. Researchers analyzed survey responses from over 1,200 adults and found that most cases of binge drinking occurred among individuals who were average moderate drinkers.
A study of 9,635 patients with alcohol use disorder found that medical therapy significantly lowers the risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease. The results suggest a potential benefit of treatment in preventing long-term liver damage.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that gene editing can reverse epigenetic changes in the brain caused by adolescent binge drinking, leading to a decrease in anxiety and excessive drinking behavior. The study used CRISPR-dCas9 technology to manipulate histone acetylation and methylation processes at the Arc gene.
The study found a significant increase in US alcohol use disorder-related mortality rates across all age groups and sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers used vital statistics data from 2012 to 2019 to project mortality rates for 2020 and 2021, revealing a notable rise in mortality related to alcohol use disorders.
A Scripps Research study found that environmental cues learned during withdrawal are more powerful than those learned during the early phases of alcohol use, leading to more irresistible cravings. This discovery could lead to new treatments to minimize cravings in people with addictions.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
A study on women-only Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Brazil found that participants experienced rejection and loneliness due to social stigma. The women-only format provided a safe space for self-expression and reclaimed dignity, differing from mixed meetings where men-focused testimonials prevailed.
Researchers found that suspected amygdala neurons producing corticotropin-releasing factor are not necessary for alcohol withdrawal or dependence. Instead, the CRF is believed to come from other neurons in the brain, with potential implications for human treatment options.
Researchers found that female mice produce more of the FPR2 protein, which helps prevent NAFLD, and that estrogen mediates its production. This discovery highlights the need for sex-balanced animal experiments and could lead to novel treatments and gender-based therapies for NASH
A new study using a dataset of over 36,000 adults found that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with reductions in overall brain volume. The association grew stronger with increasing levels of alcohol consumption, comparable to aging two and three years, respectively.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open finds that a combination treatment of nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline is more effective for smoking cessation in heavy drinkers, resulting in 44.3% abstinence rate. Participants also showed significant reductions in drinking rates, with 25% decrease in weekly drinking days.
Researchers found lower functional connectivity between brain areas involved in social and emotional processing in individuals at risk of developing alcohol use disorder. This impairment may affect their ability to interpret facial expressions and respond to their environment, increasing the likelihood of disordered drinking.
The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.
A team of scientists from Pusan National University conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. They found that overall, alcohol drinkers were at a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-drinkers.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that people with 'slow' life-history strategies, focusing on future rewards, exhibited positive behaviors and were more likely to be in remission. In contrast, those with 'fast' life-history strategies, prioritizing immediate rewards, faced greater challenges during recovery.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
Researchers found that alcohol-related problems increased by 49% for women and 69% for men during the pandemic. Men's alcohol use declined by 20%, while women's remained steady, with feelings of loneliness playing a role in drinking patterns.
A clinical trial found that people with severe alcohol disorder stayed off alcohol for longer when treated with low doses of ketamine combined with psychological therapy. The therapy showed promise in preventing relapse and improving liver function, with participants having lower depression rates after three months.
A new study projects that increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic will result in 8,000 additional deaths from liver disease and 18,700 cases of liver failure by 2040. The researchers estimated a one-year increase in consumption to cause 100 additional deaths and 2,800 cases of liver failure by 2023.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that monthly alcohol sales increased by an average of 5.5% over expected sales, while cannabis sales surged by 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians bought $1.86 billion more alcohol and $811 million more cannabis than predicted based on pre-pandemic trends.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people who abstain from alcohol do not necessarily have a shorter survival time than those who consume low to moderate amounts. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 German adults, suggests that factors such as previous substance abuse or poor health are more significant predic...
A recent qualitative study has identified six strategies that recovering alcoholics use to manage stigmas, including adopting a 'no judgment' mindset and seeking support from loved ones. The study, which conducted in-depth interviews with 22 U.S. adults who have been sober for at least 10 years, aims to provide a tool kit for helping p...
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
Researchers found that 44.3% of the Mbendjele BaYaka population had hazardous alcohol consumption, associated with mental and physical health harms like high blood pressure and increased diarrhoea rates. The study emphasizes the need for community involvement and socioeconomic changes to address the underlying drivers of poor health.
A Binghamton University researcher has received a $1.74 million grant to investigate how prenatal alcohol exposure affects anxiety in offspring. The study aims to understand the relationship between corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and anxiety, with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of human patients.
A preclinical study found that female mice are more susceptible to binge drinking due to a brain circuit called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is more excitable in females, requiring stronger inhibition to curb excessive alcohol consumption. This natural 'brake' mechanism may also contribute to sex differences...
A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...
A $992,000 VA Merit Review grant will fund research on non-neuronal activity after binge drinking to understand its impact on synaptic dysfunction and alcohol use disorder. The study aims to identify novel mechanisms, specifically astrocytes, involved in the dysregulation of neuronal activity.
Research reveals that young adults with ADHD are 69% more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers without ADHD. More than one-quarter of those with ADHD also experience major depression.
A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.
Researchers identified a large list of candidate genes associated with alcohol consumption and AUD, including SPI1 and MAPT. These genes are linked to other psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Science Advances reveals a previously unknown mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use, which may be targeted by medication. A small group of nerve cells in the central amygdala promote alcohol use despite negative consequences.
A Korean National Health Insurance System study found frequent drinking is a more important risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers than the amount of alcohol consumed per occasion. This observational study suggests that individuals who drink frequently are at higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.