Articles tagged with Alcohol Abuse
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.
A Rutgers study found that participants with severe insomnia and high rates of alcohol use had lower blackout frequencies than those with low insulinemia, suggesting a potential link between circadian misalignment and altered alcohol metabolism.
A study analyzing Twitter data from May 2020 to January 2021 found that the share of tweets about healthy foods increased by 20%, while fast-food and alcohol tweets decreased by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that people may have made healthier dietary changes during the pandemic, depending on their neighborhood environment.
Researchers have identified two distinct phenotypes of inflammatory cell infiltration in severe alcoholic hepatitis, suggesting separate mechanisms driving liver injury and failure. These findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches, such as identifying patients who are more or less likely to respond to steroid therapy.
A new study from Arizona State University found that childhood loneliness is strongly linked to increased stress levels and problem drinking in young adults. The research suggests that mitigating childhood loneliness could be a key strategy for reducing the risk of alcohol use disorders in adulthood, particularly among women.
Research on Scotland's minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy found that it was associated with larger reductions in consumption among heavier drinkers, but not among women or those who tend to drink less heavily. Consumption actually increased among the heaviest drinking men following MUP introduction.
Young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption, while older adults without underlying conditions may benefit from small amounts. The study recommends age and region-based guidelines to minimize risks and maximize potential benefits.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that drinking alone during adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of alcohol use disorder later in life, especially for women. Solitary drinking is a unique and robust risk factor for future alcohol problems, according to lead author Kasey Creswell.
A recent study published in eNeuro found that alcohol can change the pattern of activity in the basolateral amygdala, potentially leading to a better understanding of how the brain switches between negative emotions like anxiety and fear. The researchers also identified specific receptors involved in this process, which may lead to pot...
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
Researchers found alcohol alters synchronized brain activity in the amygdala of mice, differing by sex. The study suggests that alcohol can trigger changes in anxious behavior by affecting the amygdala's activity states.
A new study reveals that up to 10% of pre-teen children are curious about using substances, with boys more likely than girls to be interested. Parents' rules and home access play a significant role in shaping their children's curiosity, with Black parents being more likely to set rules against substance use.
A novel study has identified metabolic defects, impaired protein secretion, and altered phosphoproteomic signatures in alcohol-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for a disease with limited treatment options.
A new study by UCL researchers found that heavy drinkers in England are four times more likely to smoke than the general population. Those at risk of alcohol dependency who smoked had the highest smoking prevalence, with nearly a third starting smoking within five minutes of waking.
A new study found that pregnant women's use of alcohol correlates with that of their partner, highlighting the importance of both parents reducing their alcohol consumption. The research, which analyzed data from 14,822 Finnish women and their partners, showed that exposure to alcohol can have detrimental effects on fetal development.
A Rutgers study suggests that individual attitudes towards heavy alcohol use are a key predictor of college student drinking. The research found that students' own attitudes towards heavy drinking, rather than peer pressure or societal norms, were more closely linked to binge-drinking frequency and alcohol-related problems.
The study found a significant increase in US alcohol use disorder-related mortality rates across all age groups and sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers used vital statistics data from 2012 to 2019 to project mortality rates for 2020 and 2021, revealing a notable rise in mortality related to alcohol use disorders.
A new machine learning model uses anonymized data to identify key risk factors for substance abuse, including family relationships and social connections. The research aims to provide policy-makers with better information to design effective programs to address substance abuse issues.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
A new study found that people with psychiatric conditions, especially those over 65, have a higher risk of breakthrough COVID. The researchers tracked data from over 250,000 VA patients and found increased risks for breakthrough infections among those with substance abuse, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and...
Research finds that late-onset alcohol abuse may be a presenting symptom of dementia, particularly in patients with frontotemporal dementia. The study identified that up to 7% of patients with frontotemporal dementia started abusing alcohol late in life, and 5% did so as the first symptom of the disease.
A new study supports the idea that humans inherited our love of alcohol from primate ancestors, who consumed fermented fruit with high alcohol content. Monkeys eat and digest alcohol-rich fruits, using it as a source of calories, shedding light on human affinity for booze.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discover that Antabuse helps improve sight in mice with retinal degeneration by reducing hyperactive retinal cells. The treatment may one day lead to better therapies for humans with inherited diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers found that people with severe alcohol use disorder reported missing 32 days of work each year, while those without the condition missed around 13 days. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use disorder in the workplace could lead to economic incentives and improved employee health.
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that Army Guard soldiers who returned from deployment were at risk for heavy drinking. The rate of drinking among deployed Guard soldiers exceeded that of deployed military personnel, with combat exposure being a significant factor.
A University of South Florida study suggests targeting kappa-opioid receptors may alleviate working memory deficits and improve executive function in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. A compound blocking these receptors alleviated working memory deficits and restored normal executive function.
A new study reveals that parents of young children who live near areas with high densities of bars and restaurants are more likely to drink and consume more alcohol. The researchers found that parents choose where they spend their time based on opportunities to engage in other activities, including drinking.
A new initiative suggests increasing tax on alcoholic beverages by 15% could reduce deaths from alcohol consumption by almost 25%. Implementing this measure could lead to a significant reduction in alcohol-related harm and save thousands of lives annually.
A new pathway has been discovered to explain how excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver, specifically through mitochondrial dysfunction. By targeting an enzyme called MATα1, researchers believe they can develop a new treatment for people suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
A nationwide study in Germany found that liver cirrhosis has the highest mortality rate among chronic diseases, with 0.94% of hospital admissions affected. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in Hepatitis C treatment, but an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases.
Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
A team of scientists from Pusan National University conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. They found that overall, alcohol drinkers were at a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-drinkers.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis had significantly higher post-ICU death rates and mortality at 30 days after ICU discharge compared to those with cirrhosis attributed to other causes. The study, which analyzed case files of 1,174 patients, suggests that early diagno...
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that people with 'slow' life-history strategies, focusing on future rewards, exhibited positive behaviors and were more likely to be in remission. In contrast, those with 'fast' life-history strategies, prioritizing immediate rewards, faced greater challenges during recovery.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
A Montreal-based study found that alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use remained stable among 24- to 33-year-olds from before the pandemic to now. However, people with lower education levels and those living alone were more likely to start or increase substance use during COVID-19.
A new study by the University of California - San Francisco found an association between increased drinking and hospital visits for atrial fibrillation in a large population. The study linked acute alcohol consumption with a higher risk of new-onset AF in previously undiagnosed individuals.
A systematic review of 21 placebo-controlled trials found hangover treatments to be ineffective due to low-quality evidence. Future studies should prioritize validated scales and increased female participation to provide accurate information on remedies.
An analysis of data from 16 US states found that wine and spirit sales increased during the early months of the pandemic, while beer sales declined. Visits to liquor stores increased, but those to bars and pubs decreased.
A study by Arizona State University found that stress alone can lead to excessive drinking in women, while men only drink more when they've already consumed alcohol. The research highlights the importance of studying sex differences in alcohol consumption and challenges existing models developed primarily for men.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new clinical guidelines that recommend against extensive preprocedural testing to estimate clotting in patients with cirrhosis. This change aims to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with unnecessary blood clotting tests.
A recent qualitative study has identified six strategies that recovering alcoholics use to manage stigmas, including adopting a 'no judgment' mindset and seeking support from loved ones. The study, which conducted in-depth interviews with 22 U.S. adults who have been sober for at least 10 years, aims to provide a tool kit for helping p...
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
Overdose deaths involving cocaine or methamphetamine increased triply in the shadow of the opioid epidemic. Most fatal overdoses (70%) involved multiple substances, with most being opioids and stimulants. The study highlights disparities in overdose risk from stimulants among Black veterans and rural residents.
A systematic review found that brief alcohol-targeted interventions delivered in doctors' offices reduce drinking by small but useful amounts. The study analyzed data from 116 trials involving 64,439 participants and found a reduction of approximately one drinking day per month.
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $3.3 million grant to study a novel behavioral intervention targeting binge drinking and sexual assault among college students, tailored by gender and sexual orientation. The program, Positive Change (+Change), has shown promising preliminary efficacy in pilot studies and aims...
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that college students who misuse stimulant drugs are also likely to engage in heavy drinking and marijuana use. The research suggests a strong behavioral link among polysubstance users, highlighting the need for universities to be aware of the additive health effects of these behaviors.
Research in mice reveals that drug withdrawal alters brain activity patterns, causing increased functional connectivity and decreased modularity. This universal effect may be a common trait among different types of addictive drugs.
A study by UCSF researchers found that emergency department visits and hospitalizations made by patients with addictions increased by 30% and 57%, respectively, between 2014-2018. The authors highlight the urgent need for hospitals to develop systems of hospital-based interventions to provide addiction treatment.
A $992,000 VA Merit Review grant will fund research on non-neuronal activity after binge drinking to understand its impact on synaptic dysfunction and alcohol use disorder. The study aims to identify novel mechanisms, specifically astrocytes, involved in the dysregulation of neuronal activity.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found a significant increase in physical and psychological aggression among couples during the pandemic. Rates of aggression rose sharply after shelter-in-place restrictions were implemented, with non-heavy drinkers being disproportionately affected.