Articles tagged with Alcoholism
Researchers found distinctive changes in brain activity of young binge-drinking college students, which may indicate early signs of brain damage. The study suggests that bingeing has tangible effects on the young brain, comparable with those seen in chronic alcoholics.
A study by Georgia State University and Purdue University found that acute alcohol intoxication amplifies the link between heavy drinking patterns and intimate partner aggression. Impulsive individuals are more likely to commit violence when intoxicated, as they focus on emotional cues in the situation.
Research found binge drinking rates decrease among college students from 42% to 37% between 1999 and 2014. However, rates increase in non-college young adults from 36% to 40% during the same period. Interventions and policy changes may contribute to the decline in college students' binge drinking rates.
A new study reveals that college students with disabilities are more likely to engage in binge drinking, with 70% reporting binge drinking at least once in the previous year. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts for this underserved population.
A study found that substance use, particularly binge drinking and cocaine, is associated with cognitive impairments such as attention deficits and executive functioning issues. Cognitive impairments were also linked to daily life difficulties, impeding treatment utilization, and decreased effectiveness of treatment.
A new study provides further evidence for the genetic factors underlying addictions, linking dysfunction of the CSNK1E gene to increased opioid addiction susceptibility and binge eating vulnerability. The findings suggest that shared genetic factors may underlie behavioral traits associated with addictions and eating disorders.
A new IUPUI study found that African-Americans in lower-income brackets have a lower risk of binge drinking during adolescence, but a higher risk at older ages. Higher incomes show comparable risks across racial groups.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that high alcohol consumption from age 16 to 43 is linked to higher blood glucose levels in women, while men's consumption did not show the same association. The long-term study of over 900 participants revealed an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the MMP-9 enzyme plays a crucial role in motivation for alcohol consumption. Researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were less motivated to drink and exhibited reduced craving during withdrawal. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments targeting ...
The position paper advocates for 'alternative-to-discipline' approaches, incorporating specialized treatment and return-to-practice programs. ATD strategies aim to retain, rehabilitate, and reintegrate nurses into safe professional practice.
A study published in Psychiatry Research Neuroimaging found that the reward system in women's brains is larger than in nonalcoholic women and smaller in alcoholic women than in nonalcoholic men. The study also showed a negative association between sobriety time and ventricle size, suggesting recovery from alcoholism.
A study by Laurie de Grace found that the culture of sport, particularly team sports like hockey, can increase the risk of substance addiction in elite athletes. The study revealed patterns of social acceptance, normalization of drugs and alcohol, and pressure to perform, which contribute to the development of addiction.
Researchers found that ibudilast significantly reduced craving for alcohol and improved mood in participants. The medication also showed promise in reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
A new UCSF study reveals that binge drinking can cause fatty liver, inflammation and enzyme changes within seven weeks. The researchers found that even a short period of excessive drinking resulted in liver dysfunction.
A new systematic review of long-term studies found that young people exposed to more alcohol marketing are more likely to start drinking early and engage in binge drinking. The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data from over 35,000 participants across seven countries.
Scientists found that Modafinil, a narcolepsy drug, reduces impulsivity in people with food addiction. The study tested 60 men and found that those who took Modafinil had significantly reduced impulsive behavior, which can lead to weight loss.
A new study suggests that male students' likelihood of becoming a perpetrator increases when they attend parties or bars more than usual. Researchers found that almost 18% admitted to sexually assaulting a woman during the study period, with frequent bar-goers being more likely to be perpetrators.
Andrew Holmes receives the ACNP Daniel H. Efron Research Award for his work on understanding the causes of alcoholism and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions. His research has been published over 170 times, with more than 13,000 citations.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher has found that addiction treatment results improved when teens in a residential program stopped smoking. Teens who quit smoking showed lower cravings for alcohol and drugs, similar to their peers who smoked, but with better treatment duration and global functioning.
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.