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The research was wrong: study shows moderate drinking won’t lengthen your life

A new analysis by researchers found that studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits suffer from fundamental design flaws. Moderate drinkers were compared with abstainer and occasional drinker groups that included older adults who had quit or cut down on drinking due to health conditions, leading to biased results.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 25, 2024

How neural inhibition could reduce alcohol use

A Scripps Research team found that inhibiting stress neurons may decrease alcohol consumption in comorbid cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. However, this approach did not mitigate anxiety. The study suggests that CRF plays a role in alcohol use among those with comorbid PTSD and AUD.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2024

Low social status increases risk of health problems from alcohol problems

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse. The research suggests that these groups may benefit from additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

Heavy alcohol, drug use linked to increased risk of falls among people with HIV

A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Car accidents, accidental overdoses account for majority of accidental deaths among U.S. soldiers deployed in Afghanistan/Iraq wars—but death rates differ by time since deployment, age, and gender

Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

AA attendance lower among African American, Hispanic and young populations

A new study found that African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, and young adults are less likely to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings compared to White counterparts. The study also found that these disparities have persisted despite the evolution of AA and the availability of alternative mutual-help groups.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2024

Health impacts of abuse more extensive than previously thought, research says

Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Older adults with alcohol use disorder experience improved quality of life through alcohol treatment

Recent research from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that even modest reductions in alcohol consumption and participation in treatment can improve quality of life for older adults aged 60 and above with notable alcohol intake. A study utilizing data from the Elderly Study found significant improvements across all domains, i...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalAlcohol Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2023

Smartphones and smart speakers may be able to detect alcohol intoxication by analyzing voice patterns: Study

Researchers found that changes in voice patterns predicted alcohol intoxication with 98% accuracy. The study suggests that smartphones and smart speakers could be used to deliver 'just-in-time interventions' to prevent injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Alcohol 'promotion' detracted from success of Women's World Cup

Alcohol promotion detracted from the success of the record-breaking Women's World Cup tournament, say researchers. The 'thorny issue of alcohol' was highlighted in a broadcast of the final match between England and Spain, where a fan celebrating with beer was featured.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateSep 28, 2023

Elevated temperatures and climate change may contribute to rising drug and alcohol disorders

Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Alcohol makes you more likely to approach attractive people but doesn’t make others seem better looking: Study

A new study found that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of interacting with attractive people, but doesn't change how others are perceived. When intoxicated, men were 1.71 times more likely to choose one of their top-four attractive candidates to interact with in the future.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Study compares youth detained for sex trafficking with more serious offenders

A new study from Florida Atlantic University compares the characteristics and risk factors of youth detained for running away or sex trafficking to those detained for more serious offenses. The research found significant differences in abuse rates, polyvictimization, and other factors between the two groups.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2023

People of color receive less suicide prevention care at emergency departments

A recent study found that people of color with alcohol use disorder receive less suicide prevention care at emergency departments, despite similar levels of elevated suicide ideation. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to address disparities in behavioral health care and provide culturally sensitive treatment.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

Stark racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-related US deaths during Covid, study reveals

A new study revealed significant racial and ethnic disparities in US alcohol-related deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic. American Indian and Alaska Native populations saw a more than doubling of alcohol-related deaths, while Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans experienced substantial increases as well.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Women without children at age 35 are at highest risk of binge drinking, alcohol use disorder

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that women who turned 35 in recent years and those without children are most at risk of excessive alcohol consumption. The study's findings highlight the need to address unhealthy drinking habits among middle-aged women, particularly those without children.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2023

People with alcohol use disorder impaired after heavy drinking, despite claims of higher tolerance

Researchers found that individuals with AUD displayed less impairment on fine motor and cognitive tasks when consuming a standard dose of alcohol, but showed significant impairment at a higher dose. This suggests that the physical effects of alcohol accumulation contribute to impaired performance beyond mere tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2023

Alcohol and smoking to blame for premature deaths among night owls, 37-year study suggests

A 37-year study in Finland found that evening types have a slightly increased risk of dying compared to morning types, primarily linked to smoking and drinking habits. The study tracked nearly 23,000 twins and found that lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking status, play a significant role in mortality rates.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChronobiology International·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2023

Education on under-prescribed drug helps reduce cravings for those with alcohol use disorder, MU study finds

A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Alcohol dependency in adolescence, but not consumption, linked with later depression risk

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds

A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Education and peer support cut binge-drinking by National Guard members in half, study shows

A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study suggests interprofessional team training could prove effective in AUD prevention & treatment

A new LSU Health New Orleans study suggests that single, focused Interprofessional Education-based exercises can significantly decrease stigma associated with alcohol use and improve knowledge and confidence in screening for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The exercise led to substantial improvements in student understanding of AUD risks, ...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalBMC Medical Education·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2023