Articles tagged with Alcoholism
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 new national study examines campus police/security responses to serious, underage, and less-serious alcohol incidents on and off college campuses. The study found that campus security or law enforcement officials rarely issue citations for alcohol-law violations, instead referring students to discipline or sanctions from other univer...
New research suggests that combining energy drinks with alcohol can increase the urge to keep drinking. Study participants who consumed A+EDs had higher ratings of liking and wanting to drink more than those in an alcohol-only condition. The findings highlight concerns about energy drink consumption among young adults.
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.
Researchers have successfully created mutant worms that cannot get intoxicated by alcohol, opening up new possibilities for treating alcohol withdrawal. The modified human alcohol target used in the study only affects its response to alcohol, leaving other functions intact.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that mobile phone text messages after an ER visit reduced binge drinking in young adults by over 50%. The intervention, which included text message queries and feedback, led to a 51% decrease in self-reported binge drinking days.
Researchers used brain structure and function, personality, life experiences, and genetics to predict binge drinking with 70% accuracy. The study identified factors such as impulsivity, hopelessness, and a family history of drug use as key contributors.
A new animal study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that male mice exposed to alcohol before breeding had less likely offspring who consumed less alcohol and were more sensitive to its effects. The study suggests environmental factors, such as epigenetics, may play a role in shaping drinking behaviors.
A new study suggests that kappa opioid receptor blockers might play a role in treating alcoholism by preventing relapse during withdrawal. The KOR system is dysregulated in the amygdala of alcohol-dependent rats, leading to excessive consumption during withdrawal.
A panel of 11 genes can predict an individual's risk of alcoholism with high accuracy at a population level. The genetic test also identifies people who are at higher or lower risk for the disease.
A new Australian study reveals that individuals who consume energy drinks with alcohol are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as aggression, violence, and injury. Hedonistic motives related to pleasure and sensation are highly implicated in A+ED consumption.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence exhibit pronounced executive control deficits, which are strongly correlated with duration of addiction and number of detoxification treatments. Executive control networks were impaired, while alerting and orienting networks showed preserved functioning.
A new study found that a single episode of binge drinking can cause bacterial leakage from the gut into the bloodstream, leading to increased levels of toxins. This results in an immune response, producing fever, inflammation, and tissue destruction, according to researchers at UMMS.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that young binge drinkers who experience strong stimulation and reward from alcohol are at higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder over time. These heavy drinkers showed a strongly positive preference for alcohol in their 20s, with lower sedative effects.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that one in 25 middle school children in Canada binge drink, with those having three or more chronic conditions facing twice the risk. Youth with mood disorders are also three times as likely to binge drink, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Higher rates of binge drinking among lesbian and gay adolescents may be linked to minority stress caused by discriminatory experiences, leading to poor health outcomes. The study found internalized homophobia and community connectedness as significant predictors of binge drinking.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that the anti-seizure drug ezogabine reduced alcohol consumption in an experimental model, providing a potential new mechanism for treating alcoholism. The study suggests that drugs targeting the Kv7 channel may be effective in reducing drinking behavior.
A study found that chronic cigarette smoking impairs postural stability in individuals with alcohol use disorders, even during sobriety. Non-smoking AD individuals improved on a measure of postural stability over eight months, while smoking AD individuals showed no significant improvement.
Researchers found strong associations between liking, owning, and identifying music containing alcohol branding and early problematic alcohol outcomes. The study suggests policy or educational interventions to reduce the impact of these exposures.
A new study finds that binge drinkers heal from wounds at a slower rate due to impaired immune function. Binge alcohol exposure reduces key immune system components, making wounds more susceptible to infection.
Researchers find the lateral habenula controls sensitivity to the negative effects of drinking alcohol, leading to increased drinking behavior when the region is inactivated. This study provides new insights into addictive behaviors and may help identify individuals at risk of becoming problem drinkers.
A study found that 90% of bar aggression involves male initiators and female targets, often due to intoxication levels of the target rather than the aggressor. The findings suggest a culture where intoxicated women are perceived as easier or more blameworthy targets.
A new study investigates whether a hangover can delay or hasten subsequent drinking, finding minimal effect on the timing of drinks. Researchers suggest alternative hypotheses linking hangovers and alcoholism, such as increased risk factors for losing control over drinking.
A new international study reveals that people in high- and middle-income countries are more likely to drink heavily if they have access to cheap, off-premise alcohol. The study found that heavy drinkers tend to buy cheaper alcohol from off-premise outlets and purchase it at later times.
A new study found that binge drinking among older moderate drinkers significantly increases mortality risk compared to regular moderate drinkers. The study highlights the importance of focusing on drinking patterns and absolute amounts of ethanol consumed as predictors of health outcomes.
A new Indiana University study found stark differences in brain network activation among alcohol-dependent women, suggesting the anterior insular region may be a key target for treatment. The research indicates that these women have trouble switching between brain networks, affecting their decision-making about drinking.
A recent study by Janni Niclasen found that children of mothers who consumed small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy showed improved emotional and behavioral outcomes at age seven. However, the study also highlighted the importance of considering psychological factors such as attachment between mother and child. The research, conduct...
A new study finds that states with stronger alcohol policies have significantly lower binge drinking rates. The study analyzed 29 alcohol policies and found that stronger policy environments can reduce binge drinking rates by one-fourth, even after accounting for demographic factors.
Researchers have identified a gene network of 39 biologically related genes associated with alcohol dependence. The study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, suggests that this network may hold new targets for treating or preventing alcoholism.
A clinical trial found gabapentin to be safe and effective in treating alcohol dependence, reducing cravings, depression, and sleeplessness. The drug's effect on drinking outcomes was at least as large as existing FDA-approved treatments, with significant benefits seen in patients who received the high-dose regimen.
A Finnish study found that binge drinking accelerates atherosclerosis and increases the risk of stroke in middle-aged men, particularly those who experience hangovers. The study also highlights the importance of moderate alcohol consumption and managing other risk factors such as hypertension and overweight.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of college students used false IDs to purchase alcohol, leading to more frequent drinking and increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders. The study also identified several predictors of false ID use frequency, including younger age at first drink and higher levels of sensation-seeking.