Articles tagged with Alcohol Abuse
Researchers found that early adult drinking combined with stress leads to cognitive decline in middle age, with brains damaged beyond recovery. Heavy drinking rewires the brain's circuitry, impairing decision-making and increasing risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study using rats found that a specific brain region, the anterior insula, is more active during actions related to alcohol consumption. This bias in decision-making may be involved in prioritizing alcohol over other rewards, potentially shedding light on the neural underpinnings of alcohol use disorders.
A recent study has confirmed that wild African chimpanzees consume significant quantities of alcohol, with 17 out of 20 urine samples containing ethyl glucuronide, a metabolic byproduct of ethanol. The chimps' diet likely consists of fermented fruits, which provide around 14 grams of ethanol per day.
A study of 382 adolescents aged 15–17 found that zero-alcohol advertisements significantly increased their intentions to try full-strength versions. Teenagers who liked the ads showed more positive attitudes toward the brands and clearer intentions to drink.
A new Washington State University study reveals that prenatal infection increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood. Antioxidant treatment may help lower this risk by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that binge drinking among adults aged 50 and older is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. After adjusting for health status and socioeconomic factors, individuals who never engaged in binge drinking had a 19% lower mortality risk compared to weekly binge drinkers.
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies found a significant protective association between spirituality and hazardous alcohol and drug use. The study suggests that spiritual practices may be effective in preventing or reducing the risks associated with these substances.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure changed aspects of the dopamine system in rhesus monkeys, influencing how quickly they drank alcohol in adulthood. The researchers also discovered individualized neuroadaptive responses to drinking, which may promote the transition to alcohol use disorder.
Research identifies reduction in recovery focus as most prevalent and potent contributor to long-term relapse, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and proactive interventions. The study highlights the need for integrated biopsychosocial disease-management models to address complex relapse risk factors.
A new study from UT Arlington reveals that one in four US adolescents experience neighborhood trauma, leading to increased substance use. Cyberbullying is more strongly linked to substance use than traditional school bullying, and team sports participation can also contribute to increased alcohol use.
Research reveals that higher lifetime alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, especially for rectal cancer. Quitting drinking can lower a person’s risk, according to the findings published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal.
A new study published in British Journal of Cancer found that reducing annual alcohol consumption by one litre per person could lower mortality from several major cancers. The strongest impacts were seen in people aged 50 and older, with estimates suggesting a substantial reduction in cancer-related deaths without preventive action.
A new study in NC found that many residential substance-use service providers require patients to engage in unpaid labor, restricting access to evidence-based treatment. Providers with labor requirements are less likely to offer recommended treatment and more likely to operate without a state license.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Review journal reveals that workplace factors like long hours, work-related stress, and shift work do not solely drive high-risk drinking. Personal and social factors have an even greater impact on alcohol consumption among workers. The research analyzed over two decades of data from the Household ...
Research found that prolonged heavy drinking induces neuroinflammation, promoting negative emotional states lasting for weeks into abstinence. Inhibiting proinflammatory microglia activation during alcohol exposure blocks the development of anxiety and fear memory.
A new study finds that raising the minimum legal drinking age from 16 to 18 years significantly improves academic performance and mental health among European teenagers. The research, conducted by Carmen Villa, shows a decrease in binge drinking and intoxication, leading to better PISA exam scores and reduced anxiety medication use.
A new study by the University at Buffalo found that 12th graders who use two or more cannabis products are more likely to engage in binge drinking. The study suggests that certain modes of cannabis consumption, such as smoking and vaping, may be linked to higher risks of binge drinking.
A Washington State University-led study suggests that college students who binge drink have more permissive parents and join fraternities or sororities. Parents with less restrictive attitudes toward drinking are also more likely to have children who engage in heavy episodic drinking.
A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.
Young sexual minority men with ADHD symptoms are more likely to begin using substances at an earlier age. The study found inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms predicted earlier use across all substances assessed.
A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers discovered psilocin's mechanism to reduce alcohol use in female mice by dampening activity of neurons in the central amygdala, leading to decreased drinking. This finding provides mechanistic insight into psychedelic treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
Researchers discovered a connection between sugar metabolism and alcohol addiction, identifying ketohexokinase (KHK) as a key enzyme involved in the process. Blocking KHK showed reduced alcohol consumption and liver damage in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment for both conditions.
A new study found that heavy alcohol use is associated with more severe brain bleeds and long-term brain vessel damage at a younger age. Patients who drank three or more drinks a day had larger, deeper bleeds and were twice as likely to have damage in the tiny blood vessels in the brain.
A Rutgers University review of 31 studies found that exposure to digital alcohol marketing increases the likelihood of past 30-day alcohol use, binge drinking, and susceptibility to drinking. The study suggests that algorithmic amplification can normalize alcohol for subsets of young people, leading to increased drinking behaviors.
A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.
A UK report highlights gender inequities in drug and alcohol services, with women often experiencing adverse childhood experiences and trauma. The study recommends improving treatment and support for women, including women-only spaces and holistic multi-agency approaches.
A large-scale cohort study found that stopping drinking even at low levels can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from over 359,000 adults and discovered that quantity of alcohol intake is the primary driver of blood pressure changes.
Researchers found that Candida albicans overgrowth increases inflammatory molecules PGE2, altering dopamine signaling and reducing desire for alcohol. Blocking PGE2 activity reverses the behavior, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiota and alcohol consumption.
A study found that participants taking GLP-1 agonists experienced delayed effects after drinking alcohol, leading to reduced intoxication. The research provides early data for larger studies testing whether these drugs can help reduce alcohol use.
A new survey conducted by UCLA found that nearly 1 in 4 transplant hepatologists in the US screen positive for unhealthy alcohol use. The study highlights the critical need for accessible physician wellness programs and reduced stigma around doctors seeking help.
Researchers found that tolcapone increases behavioral control in individuals with AUD by activating the prefrontal cortex, which is consistent with the drug's effects on dopamine levels. The study suggests a new mechanism for treating AUD beyond current medications that target the brain's reward system.
Researchers identified a promising treatment for PTSD, chronic pain, and alcohol misuse in rats. The study found that PPL-138 selectively reduced anxiety-like behavior, pain responses, and alcohol consumption in those with trauma-related anxiety.
Researchers at UC Berkeley find that chimpanzees consume about 14 grams of pure ethanol per day, equivalent to one standard American drink. This chronic exposure suggests a dietary heritage of alcohol from our common ancestor with chimpanzees.
Rates of alcohol-induced deaths in the US nearly doubled between 1999 and 2024, reaching a record high in 2021. The largest increase was among females aged 25-34, with mortality rates rising by 255%.
A cohort study found an association between parental diseases of despair and youth suicidal events, suggesting a potential underlying factor in the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior. Improved access to care for parents with these conditions may help reduce the adolescent suicide rate.
A new longitudinal study by York University found that young adults using both substances in times of high stress and emotional distress reported more negative life consequences. The study suggests that understanding combined use can help young adults mitigate the risk and seek healthier coping mechanisms.
A UIC researcher team led by Dr. Subhash C. Pandey will investigate how long-term alcohol use affects the structure and function of brain cells, aiming to improve targeted treatments for alcohol use disorder. The grant renewal aims to fuel cutting-edge research into cellular interaction in areas key to alcohol addiction.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that healthy eating and increased physical activity significantly lower the risk of liver-related death, even among heavy and binge drinkers. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 US adults and found that adherence to high levels of physical activity and/or diet q...
Researchers from Flinders University found a consistent increase in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) severity on weekends, driven by lifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns. Maintaining a regular sleep routine is crucial to combat social apnea, which can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, depression, and dementia.
A new study found that tolcapone increases activity in the prefrontal cortex during self-control tasks, associated with better behavioral control and reduced alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that medications increasing prefrontal dopamine could be a promising lead for treating alcohol use disorder.
A new study published in JAMA found that the August 2023 Maui wildfire led to a 46% increase in statewide suicide and overdose death rates, with a 97% increase in Maui alone. The researchers suggest direct exposure and indirect effects, such as concern for loved ones, contributed to the rise in deaths.
Research from the University of Birmingham finds that party tourism creates an environment for sexual assault by normalizing extreme behavior and prioritizing economic revenue over women's safety. The study highlights how destinations silence victims to protect their reputation, reinforcing a culture of silencing survivors.
A new study found that heavy drinking among women with a high desire to avoid becoming pregnant increased their risk of undesired pregnancy by 50% compared to moderate or non-drinking levels. In contrast, cannabis use did not elevate the risk of undesired pregnancy.
A survey of over 1,600 US adults found that most know the negative impacts of smoking and drinking during pregnancy, but uncertainty exists around vaccines and weight gain recommendations. The majority are unsure about recommended vaccines for pregnant individuals, with a notable drop in knowledge since last year.
A nationwide study found that alcohol withdrawal syndrome significantly increases risks of complications and longer hospital stays after major surgery. Proactive screening and multidisciplinary care can help prevent such complications.
Research from UCLA Health Sciences found that individuals with substance use disorders are at a higher risk of unplanned hospital readmissions. Specifically, those with opioid use disorder had the highest 30-day readmission rates.
A new study found that 8.9% of workers in their 30s use substances on the job, with higher risks in food preparation/service industry and safety-sensitive occupations like construction and transportation. Comprehensive substance use policies and supportive interventions could improve safety and reduce misuse.
A new study by psychologists, linguists, and policy experts reveals that policymakers and drinkers have different ways of framing alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that policies must reflect real-life behaviours and motivations to make a meaningful difference.
This cross-sectional study reveals a substantial rise in alcohol-associated liver disease mortality, particularly among women and younger adults. The findings highlight the importance of targeted public health initiatives to address this growing health concern.
Researchers have identified a specific group of neurons in the brain responsible for suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating alcohol dependency and related health challenges.
A recent study by UT Arlington researcher Dr. Awua found that social influences and peer pressure significantly impact substance use among young adults College students often misjudge their peers' drinking habits, leading to heavy episodic drinking and negative consequences The study suggests using protective behavioral strategies like...
A new international collaboration by the University of Exeter found that people living in greenest neighbourhoods are 13% less likely to smoke and 31% less likely to drink daily. Intentional visits to nature also have benefits, reducing smoking rates.
A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.
A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that adoption of vertical identification laws has not reduced teenage drinking and smoking. The analysis of 1991-2019 data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys revealed no statistically significant or economically important effect on these behaviors.
A new review paper suggests that social drinking is a significant contributor to alcohol use disorder, contrary to the common perception of solitary drinking. Research highlights the importance of social contexts in driving excessive alcohol consumption and related societal harms.
Research led by VCU and Rutgers University found that romantic partners' substance use habits, personality traits, and mental health status can enhance or diminish a person's genetic predisposition to binge drinking. The study suggests that couple-based interventions could be more effective when addressing environmental influences.
A systematic review of child maltreatment found that parents and caregivers with alcohol-related diagnoses were twice as likely to maltreat children. The study pooled data from twelve high-income countries and associated caregiver alcohol-related diagnoses with higher child maltreatment incidence.