Articles tagged with Alcohol Abuse
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...
The US life expectancy gap between men and women has widened to 5.8 years, with COVID-19 and 'deaths of despair' being major contributors. Life expectancy in the US dropped to 76.1 years in 2021, driven by increases in deaths from drug overdoses, suicide, and accidents.
Researchers found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with biological age acceleration and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults, but not in young adults. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may mediate the association between alcohol intake and quantitative traits like hypertension.
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.
A longitudinal study found that nine-to-10-year-old children who drink daily caffeinated soda are twice as likely to try alcohol within a year. Daily caffeine intake is associated with low working memory and high impulsivity, recognized risk factors for substance use disorders.
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.
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.
A study of 69,000 adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection found no difference in sustained virologic response across alcohol use categories. This suggests that restricting access to direct-acting antiviral therapy based on alcohol use may create unnecessary barriers for patients. The findings challenge HCV elimination goals.
A new NIH grant will investigate the impact of combined alcohol and e-cigarette use on the blood brain barrier, a cell layer regulating substance passage into the central nervous system. The study aims to identify mechanisms behind damage and potential biomarkers for clinical use.
A $3 million grant will support a culturally tailored group-based intervention to prevent alcohol addiction and consequences in Pacific Islander young adults. The study aims to address the extreme risk of alcohol abuse in this population, which has been linked to high rates of alcohol use disorder.
A study of 194 patients found that those with alcohol-related diagnoses made 44% more visits and had a 138% higher death rate over 20 years compared to controls. Targeted interventions in emergency departments may help reduce this significant health burden.
Scientists at The Florey Institute have identified a brain chemical, CART, that affects the taste of alcohol in females. When inhibiting CART, female mice drank less, but consumed more when drinks were sweetened, suggesting a potential treatment for women's binge drinking.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
Researchers studied 1,500 middle-aged women and found that those with four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly twice as likely to be sexually inactive. The study also showed that these women were two times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction in midlife. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for childhood ...
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.
Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed
Researchers found that ethanol metabolism can produce toxic substances damaging the gut, leading to leaky gut, dysbiosis and increased cancer risk. The study aims to better understand the mechanisms of alcohol-associated bowel disease and its relationship with liver disease.
A study of 15,000 adults found that alcohol consumption and risky drinking behaviors were prevalent among cancer survivors. The findings highlight the need for additional research to address the emerging concern of alcohol consumption in cancer patients.
A two-year NIH-funded study led by Penn State associate research professor Ashley Linden-Carmichael examines the next-day effects of heavy drinking on young adults' daily cognitive functioning. The study will collect intensive self-reported data from 250 participants to explore the impact of alcohol use on memory and other cognitive fu...
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.
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that use of law enforcement strategies to curb underage drinking has decreased significantly since 2010, with a notable drop in compliance checks and sales provision to underage persons.
Hospital admissions for alcohol-related hepatitis increased dramatically during the pandemic, particularly among younger patients and women. Researchers found a 12.4% rise in cases in 2020 compared to 2019 levels.
A recent study by HSE researchers found that people of lower status tend to drink higher-proof alcohol and consume more overall. Higher-status individuals are more likely to drink but consume less due to factors like education, income, and awareness of health risks.
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.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologist Robert Dudley found that hummingbirds happily sip from sugar water with up to 1% alcohol by volume, without being repelled by it. The research suggests that birds are likely consuming ethanol produced by natural fermentation in flowers and nectar-filled feeders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new bilingual digital health tool has been shown to significantly reduce binge drinking episodes among Latino emergency department patients. After using the tool, participants experienced sustained reductions in alcohol use over 12 months, compared to standard care.
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.
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.
Research finds military veterans exposed to low doses of chemical warfare agents have higher rates of mortality from genitourinary diseases and deaths attributable to alcohol. However, overall cancer incidence is not significantly associated with Porton Down attendance.
A team from Kennesaw State University is studying the cultural, historical, and health significance of artisanal alcohol production in Cabo Verde. The researchers aim to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of grogue production, a national liquor produced by fermenting sugar cane.
A Scripps Research team found that both alcohol intake and withdrawal can lead to increased pain sensitivity in adult mice. The study suggests potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-associated chronic pain and hypersensitivity.
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.
A comprehensive study found that individuals who maintained their drinking habits during the pandemic had lower prevalence of mental health issues compared to those who abstained or experienced changes. The research also identified groups with stronger associations between alcohol consumption and mental health outcomes.
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, ...
A RAND Corporation study found that participating in a 24/7 sobriety program can lower the risk of death for individuals arrested for drunk driving. The program, which combines frequent testing with certain punishment, was associated with a 50% lower mortality rate compared to non-participants.
Researchers found extensive interaction between US officials and the alcohol industry, including sharing scientific research and policy implications. The study suggests a significant influence of industry on public health science, threatening the integrity of NIAAA's funding.
A large study of 2.8 million patients found no direct link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset alcohol use disorder, suggesting other factors at play during the pandemic
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has demonstrated altered dopamine signals in the brain's striatum region related to counterfactual information and relief. Dopamine levels were lower in participants with a history of alcohol use disorder, suggesting impaired decision-making processes.
Substance use decreased among youths and young adults between 2019 and 2020, except for tobacco use reductions. Cannabis use increased among adults aged 25 and older during the pandemic. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to differences in data collection methods.
Researchers found that MAP4343 reversed excessive alcohol intake in mice modeling alcoholism and normalized blood levels of stress hormone corticosterone. The compound promotes assembly of tubulin proteins into microtubules, suggesting a possible effective treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder.
A new study explores the relationship between fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) levels and heavy drinking patterns in young adults. Lower FAAH activity was associated with more severe drinking, increased cravings, and reduced sensitivity to alcohol's negative effects.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that mothers drank less frequently, but more drinks per day as the pandemic progressed. This increase in drinking volume raised concerns about binge drinking among mothers, particularly due to stress and social isolation during parenting.
The percentage of adolescents reporting substance use in 2022 held steady, with most commonly reported use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis. Levels generally remained at or below pre-pandemic levels, but there was a concerning increase in overdose deaths among young people ages 14-18 due to fentanyl contamination.
A new report from Boston University School of Public Health finds that alcohol causes 1 in 20 deaths in Massachusetts, with a toll of 2,760 fatalities per year. The state's lax alcohol policies and low taxes contribute to the problem.
A new study found that people with alcohol use disorders who are injured severely enough to require hospital treatment have a fivefold increased risk of dying in the next year. This association was found in over 13,000 patients, with a total mortality rate nearly five times higher than the general California population.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with more stores selling alcohol have higher rates of child abuse and neglect. The study suggests that reducing alcohol availability is crucial in preventing child maltreatment, as it perpetuates a cycle of substance use among young adults.
A study of 4.2 million adults in the US found that recreational cannabis laws may be associated with higher alcohol use rates, especially among younger adults and men. The findings suggest an unintended consequence of recreational cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption.
A Scripps Research team has identified a class of drugs that may break the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings show that these compounds, which target brain pathways shared by both disorders, can reduce alcohol preference and other behaviors associated with PTSD.
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
A new study by UCL researchers found that problem drinking is associated with a higher risk of suicide and self-harm, particularly among those with 'probable dependence'. The study also identified signs of alcohol negatively impacting people's lives as risk factors.
A new study has found that a medication typically used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure may also reduce alcohol consumption in humans. The study's findings support further research into spironolactone as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder, which affects millions of people in the US.
A new study suggests that spironolactone, a medication for heart problems and high blood pressure, may also be effective in reducing alcohol drinking. The research found that increasing doses of spironolactone decreased alcohol consumption in mice and rats, as well as in humans with excessive alcohol drinking.
Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.
Research finds that a single dose of alcohol permanently changes brain structure and function, leading to increased risk of addiction. The study used fruit flies and mice models to show that ethanol-induced changes in mitochondrial dynamics and synapse balance contribute to long-lasting behavioral changes.
A new study found that households in the UK consumed 6.5% less wine when drinking from smaller (290ml) glasses than larger (350ml) glasses. Drinking from smaller bottles reduced consumption by 3.6%. These findings suggest that reducing glass size could contribute to policies for lowering drinking.