Articles tagged with Alcoholism
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that substance use impairs cognitive flexibility by inhibiting specific neurons. Chronic cocaine or alcohol use alters the local inhibitory brain circuit, leading to decreased cognitive flexibility and increased risk of academic deficits and lower quality of life.
Researchers found that individuals with AUD displayed less impairment on fine motor and cognitive tasks when consuming a standard dose of alcohol, but showed significant impairment at a higher dose. This suggests that the physical effects of alcohol accumulation contribute to impaired performance beyond mere tolerance.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a rise in binge drinking among people aged 31 and over in US states with recreational cannabis laws. Binge drinking declined among younger age groups, including those aged 12-20 and 21-30.
A study found that harm reduction treatment reduced substance use, including cannabis and polysubstance use, among people experiencing homelessness. Participants in the treatment group used cannabis 41% fewer days than the control group. The approach led to improved quality of life and basic needs, making it a sustainable option.
Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.
A study by Scripps Research and University of Bologna found that excessive alcohol consumption accelerates cognitive decline in genetically susceptible mice. Gene expression analysis revealed widespread changes indicative of disease progression, including increased neuronal excitability and neurodegeneration.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.
Researchers found that individuals understood genetic risk scores and reported intentions to reduce their drinking if they had high-risk scores. However, the study's authors caution that receiving genetic feedback is just the first step in behavior change, and connecting individuals to resources and support is crucial.
A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.
A new national study of over 50,000 US adolescents reveals a strong association between vaping nicotine and increased likelihood of high-level cannabis usage and binge drinking. The findings highlight the need for sustained interventions to address co-occurring substance use among young people.
Researchers found people with anxiety and depression disorder experience greater alcohol use disorder symptoms, even at similar levels of drinking. The study analyzed data on 26,000 adults and found that those with internalizing disorders predicted more alcohol-related symptoms.
A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.
A Scripps Research team found that both alcohol intake and withdrawal can lead to increased pain sensitivity in adult mice. The study suggests potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-associated chronic pain and hypersensitivity.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.
Research finds that endocannabinoids protect against addiction in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. The 'resilient' group showed increased function of the endocannabinoid system and different brain activity compared to other groups.
Researchers found that alcohol screening rates significantly declined during the initial COVID-19 surge due to competing pandemic priorities and telemedicine shifts. Screening rates later recovered as in-person care resumed and telemedicine workflows improved.
A comprehensive study found that individuals who maintained their drinking habits during the pandemic had lower prevalence of mental health issues compared to those who abstained or experienced changes. The research also identified groups with stronger associations between alcohol consumption and mental health outcomes.
A Marshall University researcher has received a $388,500 NIH grant to study the effects of binge drinking on brain development and its long-term cognitive consequences. The two-year grant will allow her team to identify mechanisms that drive changes in brain function and explore novel targets for prevention and treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 4.8 million participants found no significant association between daily low or moderate alcohol intake and all-cause mortality risk. However, increased risk was evident at higher consumption levels, starting at lower levels for women than men.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use changes signaling pathways in the brain, affecting cognitive functions like decision-making and impulse control. The mechanism involves the brain's immune system and the molecule interleukin 1β, which regulates inflammation and neurotransmitter release.
A CAMH-led study found that the probability of using a gun as a means of suicide among Americans increases with alcohol consumption. The study suggests that responsible gun ownership and awareness of alcohol's increased risk are crucial in preventing gun-involved suicides.
A study found that as alcohol consumption increased, the probability of a firearm-involved suicide also rose until a certain blood alcohol concentration was reached. Interventions focusing on heavy alcohol use may help reduce suicide mortality rates, particularly those involving firearms.
A new LSU Health New Orleans study suggests that single, focused Interprofessional Education-based exercises can significantly decrease stigma associated with alcohol use and improve knowledge and confidence in screening for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The exercise led to substantial improvements in student understanding of AUD risks, ...
Researchers found that peer support specialists with a shared life experience were most valued for providing emotional and housing/employment support, helping inmates recover from opioid use disorder. Participants appreciated the empathetic and trustworthy relationships established with their peer navigators.
A Scripps Research team has found that heavy alcohol consumption increases brain inflammation, leading to changes in signaling pathways and behavior. The study suggests a potential new drug target for treating alcohol use disorder by targeting the interleukin-1β pathway.
A new study published in BMC Public Health suggests that problematic social media use in preteens is linked to both positive and negative alcohol beliefs. Researchers found that 97% of social media posts display alcohol in a positive context, contributing to positive perceptions among adolescents.
A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.
Researchers identified apremilast as an incredibly promising treatment for alcohol use disorder, reducing consumption by more than half in a clinical trial. The medication, approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the brain's nucleus accumbens to control alcohol intake.
Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.
A large study of 2.8 million patients found no direct link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset alcohol use disorder, suggesting other factors at play during the pandemic
Researchers have identified a blood protein snapshot that documents changes in patients with severe liver disease caused by heavy drinking, potentially leading to a simple blood test for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
A new study found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose in life are less likely to drink heavily when craving alcohol. This discovery opens the door for new strategies to discourage binge drinking in college students by focusing on their mission, values, and goals.
Researchers found that MAP4343 reversed excessive alcohol intake in mice modeling alcoholism and normalized blood levels of stress hormone corticosterone. The compound promotes assembly of tubulin proteins into microtubules, suggesting a possible effective treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder.
A study of 4,000 twins found no link between cannabis legalization and increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship or financial problems. Twins in states where cannabis is legal showed fewer symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
A new study explores the relationship between fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) levels and heavy drinking patterns in young adults. Lower FAAH activity was associated with more severe drinking, increased cravings, and reduced sensitivity to alcohol's negative effects.
Researchers have discovered the positive impact of icaros on men's recovery from drug and alcohol addictions during ayahuasca healing ceremonies. The study, led by UC Riverside doctoral student Owain J. Graham, found that 86% of patients showed statistically significant improvements on the Addictions Severity Index.
A new paper in Nature Reviews Disease Primers provides a global overview of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders, highlighting current approaches to diagnosis, screening, prevention, management, and treatment. The study emphasizes the need for further research, particularly on adolescents and effective behavioral interventions.
A new NIH-funded study found a significant treatment gap for individuals with both hepatitis C and alcohol use disorder, highlighting the need for better care coordination. Researchers analyzed data from over 133,000 veterans and found that those with AUD were less likely to receive direct-acting antiviral treatment for HCV.
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.