Articles tagged with Alcoholism
Repeated binge drinking during adolescence can alter gene expression in the brains of future generations, impacting neurological health. The study found 159 gene changes in offspring of binge-drinking mothers, 93 in offspring of binge-drinking fathers, and 244 in offspring of both parents.
Dr. Michael E. Charness has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of alcohol on the nervous system and has developed drugs that block alcohol toxicity. He is a leading expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and has cared for patients with neurological disorders throughout his career.
A new study led by TSRI researchers found that a compound can specifically inactivate alcohol-linked neurons, reversing compulsive drinking behavior in rats. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating alcohol dependence.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry identified an enzyme whose production is turned off in nerve cells of the frontal lobe when alcohol dependence develops. This deficiency leads to continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences. The research team hopes to develop effective medicines for treating alcoholism and contributin...
Researchers identified 930 genes associated with excessive drinking behavior in genetically diverse rats, indicating a complex trait influenced by many genes and the environment. The study confirmed previously linked genes and uncovered new genetic pathways, some of which could be targets for treatment.
A study published in PLOS Genetics has identified hundreds of genes associated with alcohol preference in rats, suggesting a strong genetic component to alcoholism. The research found that critical regulatory pathways involving several genes were crucial in regulating the desire to drink alcohol.
Scientists have pinpointed D2 neurons as key players in regulating drinking behavior, discovering they discourage action and inhibit excessive consumption. Activating these 'no-go' neurons could help prevent problem drinking behavior, paving the way for new treatments.
A new psychology study found that the ability to withhold a response to stimuli, or self-control, is a key factor in predicting binge drinking behavior. The study used regression model analysis to measure the impact of different inhibition subcomponents on binge drinking habits among young adults.
A recent study from the University of Vermont found that a simple IVR system can encourage primary care doctors to discuss patients' drinking habits. Over half of participants reported having the discussion, and those who did were more likely to receive an alcohol-related recommendation from their provider.
A recent study using PET/CT imaging found that the brains of recovering alcoholics have adapted to chemical dependency by significantly hindering metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) receptors, reducing cravings. This discovery could lead to new targeted drugs to limit receptor activity in patients at risk of relapse.
Long-term AA members who recited AA prayers after viewing drinking-related images reported less craving for alcohol than those who just read a newspaper. Brain activity increased in areas responsible for attention and emotion, suggesting an innate ability to minimize the effect of alcohol triggers.
Alcoholics' brains show changes in hormone and neurotransmitter levels, including increased dehydroepiandrosterone and decreased serotonin transporters. Type 1 and Type 2 alcoholics exhibit distinct differences in endocannabinoid and glutamatergic systems.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a brain circuit controlling binge drinking, connecting two regions with corticotropin-releasing factor. Inhibiting this circuit in mice protects against binge alcohol drinking.
A study led by QUT researchers has shown that pindolol, a drug already approved by the FDA, can reduce ethanol consumption and is a promising treatment option for alcohol use disorders. The preclinical study suggests that pindolol could be an inexpensive and effective approach to treating alcohol dependence.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found a dose-response relationship between substance use severity and low-regard for others in adolescents. Adolescents with severe addiction were more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, such as unprotected sex and driving under the influence.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre found that young adults who binge drink have higher blood pressure, increasing the risk of developing hypertension. The study reveals that over one in four young adults who binge drink meet the criterion for pre-hypertension.
A University of Washington study analyzed over 750 studies on marijuana and alcohol use, finding that legalization policies may lead to both substitution and complementary effects. The research highlights the difficulties in gauging the impact of a formerly illicit drug as it moves into the mainstream.
A recent study published in Biomolecules found that chronic alcohol use combined with repeated binge drinking causes significant liver damage, exceeding previous estimates. The research, conducted on mice, showed that mice exposed to both chronic and binge consumption exhibited the highest levels of liver injury.
A University of Pittsburgh-led trial found that a text message-based program successfully reduced binge drinking among 18-25 year olds. After 12 weeks, participants who received the full program reported an average of one less binge drinking day per month and a 12% reduction in binge drinking.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that nicotine weakens the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol by stimulating the basal forebrain. This discovery sheds light on the close link between alcohol and nicotine usage, which affects millions of people worldwide.
The estimated prevalence of adults who used marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1% to 9.5%, while the prevalence of marijuana use disorder rose from 1.5% to 2.9%. Notably, black and Hispanic individuals experienced higher rates of marijuana use disorders.
Research from Oregon State University found that college students who used marijuana or binge drank were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex. Students in serious relationships also had less condom use, despite putting themselves at risk for STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
A Stanford study suggests a malfunctioning enzyme may contribute to the development of alcoholism in individuals who binge drink. The researchers identified a previously unknown biochemical assembly line that produces an essential neurotransmitter called GABA, which is thought to play a key role in countering addiction.
A new study by Doctor Cecilie Schou Andreassen reveals that shopping addiction is more prevalent among women, typically beginning in late adolescence. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale identifies seven warning signs, including an excessive preoccupation with shopping and impaired well-being.
The NIH has released CollegeAIM, a matrix-based tool to compare and rate nearly 60 types of college alcohol interventions. The tool helps inform college staff about evidence-based interventions, with the goal of improving student health and safety.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience by Texas A&M Health Science Center researchers found that a specific type of brain cell plays a crucial role in addiction. The findings suggest that periodic consumption of alcohol alters the structure and function of these cells, leading to increased cravings and cycle of alcoholism.
A study of 20 young women found five major unexpected sexual events linked to alcohol use, including sex with new partners and unprotected sex. The findings suggest a disconnect between what women expect when drinking and what actually happens, emphasizing the need for better interventions to promote safer behaviors.
Researchers have discovered promising new compounds that may reduce alcoholics' urge to drink by targeting the brain's pleasure centers. The compounds, known as beta-carbolines, appear to be less addictive and cause fewer side effects than current treatments.
A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery can alter how the body metabolizes alcohol, leading to higher and more rapid blood-alcohol levels. Women who underwent the surgery experienced changes similar to those seen in men, with a significant increase in blood-alcohol content after consuming just two drinks.
Researchers found that cortisol administration significantly reduced cravings for heroin in addicts, with a 25% decrease seen on average. The study suggests that cortisol may have inhibitory effects on addiction-related memory and behaviors.
A new study has found that biomarkers, specifically phosphatidylethanol (PEth), are significantly higher in binge drinkers than moderate drinkers. PEth levels were positively correlated with the number of drinks consumed and self-assessment survey scores.
Researchers have identified a single amino acid difference in the mu-opioid receptor that affects behavior and addiction susceptibility. Individuals with the G variant exhibit improved resilience to stress, reduced susceptibility to alcoholism, and increased ability to quit smoking and heroin use.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that states with more restrictive alcohol policies and regulations have lower rates of self-reported drunk driving. The study also suggests that laws targeting binge drinking are equally effective in preventing drunk driving as those specifically targeting impaired driving.
A study of nearly 18,000 women in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand found that 20-80% drank during pregnancy, with higher rates among smokers. The prevalence of binge drinking was also common, particularly before pregnancy. Factors associated with lower risk included age, ethnicity, education level, and body weight.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin used an FDA-approved antihypertensive drug to erase memories associated with cocaine and alcohol addiction in rats. The treatment reversed rewired brain circuits involved in reward learning, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapses.
A new study suggests that college students who binge drink experience more delayed sleep timing and variable sleep schedules. The research found that heavier drinkers had later bedtimes and rise times, with greater day-to-day variability in sleep length.
A new study found that US states with stronger alcohol policies have lower rates of youth overall drinking and binge drinking. The study suggests that these policies are effective in reducing adult binge drinking, which has a significant impact on youth drinking rates.
Restricting access to firearms for people who misuse alcohol is associated with reduced risk of committing firearm violence. Studies link binge drinking and heavy chronic drinking to aggressive firearm behaviors, while policies in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and the District of Columbia show varying degrees of enforcement.
Scientists at TSRI discovered that deleting the gene for a brain protein called GIRK3 in mice increased alcohol consumption and prevented the brain from signaling the rewarding properties of alcohol. In contrast, reintroducing GIRK3 reduced binge drinking.
A recent study found that person-specific cues have a stronger effect on craving addictive substances than general substance-specific cues. This discovery has implications for the development of targeted treatment programs to prevent relapse.
Heavy drinking has increased by 17.2% since 2005, while binge drinking has risen 8.9%. Women are more likely to be binge drinkers than men. The study highlights the need for locally-focused alcohol policies and programs.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute will investigate brain regions that suppress relapse associated with cocaine and alcohol addiction. Preliminary studies suggest that cues signaling unavailability of drugs can activate neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to new methods for resisting relapse.
A study found that socially anxious youth in treatment who participated in low-intensity service activities during AA meetings had better outcomes and higher abstinence rates. This approach helped them tolerate interpersonal differences and uncomfortable feelings, developing emotional maturity and self-acceptance.
A large-scale genome-wide association study found that men whose fathers had liver disease are more likely to develop alcoholic cirrhosis. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that genetic factors may play a role in this increased risk.
A new study finds that simultaneous marijuana and alcohol users have double the odds of drunk driving, social consequences, and harms to self compared to those who use either substance alone. The research also reveals that concurrent users tend to have heavier drinking patterns.
Researchers found that chronic drinking is associated with higher CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala (AMG), particularly in the AMG. This could lead to interactions between metabolism of drugs and endogenous substrates, altering drug response and brain physiology.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine will create a Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE) to investigate the impact of long-term alcohol exposure on genes. Researchers will explore how epigenetic changes influence gene expression and behavior, aiming to develop new pharmacotherapies for alcoholism.
Researchers found that alcohol addiction is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality in general hospitals, with patients dying an average of 7.6 years earlier than non-addicted patients. The study also identified 27 comorbid physical illnesses more frequently occurring in patients with alcohol addiction.
Chronic alcohol consumption compromises the skin's protective immune response, leading to increased illness and bacterial burden. Restoring IL-17 levels improves skin injury and bacterial clearance defects in mice with Staphylococcus aureus skin infections.
A longitudinal study found that young drinkers select drinking contexts based on demographics, psychosocial characteristics, and drinking frequency. Over time, certain places become more or less popular among youths, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to address specific groups.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein in the brain that can act to suppress binge alcohol drinking. The study found that Neuropeptide Y (NPY) increases inhibition on cells producing corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), leading to reduced binge drinking.
Researchers at IUPUI are conducting a study on how alcohol affects the brain's reward system, using a unique blend of mathematical modeling and experimental neuroscience. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how alcohol hijacks dopamine release, a key factor in addiction.
Researchers developed an Internet-based coping skills training program to support women with alcoholic partners, reducing stress and depression by 50% or more. The program aims to empower women to focus on their own needs and improve communication with their partners.
A study of 210 primary care resident physicians found they rarely perform alcohol screening and brief intervention, despite its effectiveness in detecting and reducing unhealthy alcohol use. The researchers suggest that medical school curricula focus on binge drinking rather than chronic dependence.
A recent study of YouTube videos involving alcohol intoxication found that these videos often juxtapose intoxication with humor and attractiveness, but rarely depict negative clinical outcomes. The videos frequently feature male characters, liquor brands, and positive sentiment, while less common are depictions of negative consequences.
A new study found that lower IQ is associated with greater and riskier drinking among young adult men in Sweden. Intelligence may come before behavior, and poor performance on IQ tests may be linked to other disadvantages.
A new study found that adolescents who experience sleep difficulties and insufficient sleep are more likely to develop binge drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and risky sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from over 6,500 teenagers and found a strong link between poor sleep habits and substance-related problems.
Pre-sleep drinking causes initial increase in slow wave sleep power but also increases frontal alpha power, disrupting normal sleep properties. This can lead to detrimental effects on daytime functioning and neurocognitive processes.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher alcohol taxes strongly protect against binge drinking. The study showed a significant decrease in binge drinking rates with a one-percent increase in tax, associated with a 1.4 percent reduction in the proportion of adults who binge drink.
A study led by Dr. Majid Afshar found that binge drinking in young adults significantly disrupts the immune system, leading to increased risk of falls and traumatic injuries. The study showed that blood samples taken after peak intoxication revealed higher levels of white blood cells and proteins signaling an active immune response.