Articles tagged with Alcoholism
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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.
A study in Victoria, Australia found that towns with lower average incomes have a higher density of alcohol outlets, exposing residents to increased risk. This is consistent with retail market dynamics and the flow of populations between towns.
A new study identified different trajectories of alcohol-related blackouts (ARBs) in adolescents aged 15-19, finding that certain characteristics increase the likelihood of blackouts. The researchers recommend educating teens about the dangers of blackouts to modify their behaviors and prevent dangerous consequences.
Researchers suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists may be effective in treating alcohol dependence. The study found that PPARα or PPARγ agonists, such as fenofibrate, reduced alcohol intake and preference in mice, indicating potential for repurposing these drugs for human treatment.
A new study by University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions found that smoking is associated with difficulties in alcohol treatment. Tobacco smokers had shorter treatment durations and were less likely to achieve their alcohol-related goals compared to non-smokers.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a network of genes associated with alcohol dependence. The researchers found that certain sets of genes were co-expressed together in individuals who consumed the most alcohol, but not in non-alcoholics. This discovery could lead to better screenings and treatments for alcoholism.
A new compound, ethane-beta-sultam, has been developed to reduce brain cell loss and inflammation caused by binge drinking. This breakthrough could lead to a treatment for Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases that damage the brain.
Researchers found reduced white matter tracts in abstinent alcoholics compared to healthy light drinkers. Chronic drinking may particularly damage frontal white matter tracts, interfering with cognitive and inhibitory control.
A study found that childhood adversity negates the protective effects of a specific gene variant on heavy alcohol consumption and symptoms of problem drinking. The research used data from European-American men, highlighting the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in understanding alcohol use disorders.
A study found that youths with a family history of substance use disorders have impaired forebrain function, which may contribute to their increased risk of developing substance-use disorders. Forebrain regions responsible for decision-making and impulse control showed less efficient activity in those with a family history.
A study of over 6,100 British men found that those who paid for sex had twice as many lifetime sexual partners as the general population, but few were paid for. Young professionals with a taste for binge drinking and recreational drugs were more likely to engage in this behavior.
A new study examines changes in alcohol use among women with unwanted pregnancies and finds that most quit or reduce consumption upon discovery. However, some may substitute alcohol for drugs. The study's results highlight the need for interventions to help these women reduce their drinking while pregnant.
A recent study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that binge drinking in young men is associated with an increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure. In contrast, low to moderate alcohol use in early adulthood is linked to a reduced risk of hypertension in females.
A study found that bar attendance is strongly linked to higher drinking among US border youth, while liberal social cognitions were not a significant factor. Researchers suggest that policy initiatives targeting bars and controlling access to alcohol could help reduce elevated drinking in the region.
Researchers at MU School of Medicine identified epigenetic protein changes caused by binge drinking, which can amplify liver damage and lead to chronic liver failure. The study suggests that excessive alcohol consumption with a binge drinking pattern is a major public health concern globally.
A Michigan State University study finds that annual incidence rates of alcohol use disorders vary significantly among different Hispanic subgroups, including Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban-Americans. The research highlights the importance of developing culturally specific preventive measures to address these disparities.
A study found that early age of first drink and quick progression to intoxication are associated with high school student alcohol use and binge drinking. The research suggests that teenagers who start drinking at an early age tend to drink more heavily and engage in binge drinking.
Research on over 4,000 participants found that binge drinking during pregnancy can lead to increased hyperactivity and inattention in children, affecting their academic performance. The study suggests that exposure to alcohol in the womb may be a risk factor for long-term mental health issues.
A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions found that female college students who experienced severe sexual assault were three times more likely to experience severe sexual assault the following year. The researchers also discovered that women who have been victims may need to be followed for months to ...
Researchers found that states with stronger alcohol policies have a lower likelihood of binge drinking, with higher taxes and reduced outlets accounting for half of the effect. This study highlights the importance of evidence-based policy decisions in reducing alcohol-related deaths and economic costs.
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol services utilization among women, with Latina and Black women showing lower rates of treatment. This disparity highlights the need for targeted outreach programs to address the unique needs of female minority drinkers.