Articles tagged with Alcohol Abuse
A telephone-based intervention has shown promising results in combating alcohol abuse among active-duty military members. Participants reduced their drinking rates and were more likely to seek treatment after a one-hour personalized intervention session.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that medical students are more prone to alcohol abuse, with one-third experiencing clinical problems. The causes include burnout, being young and unmarried, and substantial educational debt. The authors recommend wellness curricula for medical schools to address these issues.
A new FAU study found that adolescents who started dating became more similar to their romantic partners than to their friends on measures of alcohol abuse. Similarity between friend reports of alcohol abuse declined after one or both of the adolescents became involved in a romantic relationship.
A recent study found that alcohol abuse is associated with a 70% increased risk of developing congestive heart failure among adults, particularly those under 60 years old and without high blood pressure. The study analyzed over 858,000 patients from California healthcare databases between 2005-2009.
A large-scale survey found that African-Americans who did not exercise frequently had nearly twice the odds of abusing alcohol. Regular physical activity was associated with lower odds of alcohol misuse, suggesting a potential link between exercise and decreased risk.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that early maturing girls who receive inadequate parental supervision are more likely to develop problem drinking behaviors. The study revealed a significant association between parental autonomy granting and increased alcohol abuse among early maturing girls.
The NIH has released CollegeAIM, a matrix-based tool to compare and rate nearly 60 types of college alcohol interventions. The tool helps inform college staff about evidence-based interventions, with the goal of improving student health and safety.
Researchers found that women in polygamous marriages were 1.3-2 times more likely to experience physical violence than those in monogamous marriages. Additionally, women with alcoholic husbands faced a higher risk of physical abuse, particularly in Ghana and Malawi.
A brief motivational intervention at an emergency department did not improve outcomes for women involved in abusive relationships and heavy drinking. The study found no significant differences between the intervention group and the control group on weekly assessments for experiencing IPV or heavy drinking.
A study of over 5,700 young Swiss men found that stricter alcohol laws, such as minimum legal drinking age and advertising restrictions, lead to lower rates of hazardous drinking. However, these measures had limited impact on individuals with a high risk of substance abuse due to their personality or antisocial behavior.
A new study reveals that a mother's fat-rich diet during pregnancy increases her offspring's risk of combined alcohol and nicotine abuse in adolescence. The research found that rats exposed to a high-fat diet in utero were more likely to develop a greater vulnerability to excessive drug-seeking behavior.
A recent study found that 29.1% of US adults have lifetime alcohol use disorder, with 12-month prevalence at 13.9%, and only 19.8% seeking treatment or help. The study highlights the need to educate the public and policy makers about AUD and its treatments.
A new study led by Amelia E. Talley found that non-heterosexual women with a disconnect between their identity and attractions may experience higher rates of hazardous drinking. Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that this internal conflict can lead to self-medicating through alcohol use.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that lung transplant patients who receive lungs from heavy drinkers are nearly nine times more likely to experience primary graft dysfunction, a life-threatening complication. These transplants also displayed poorer gas-exchange and longer ventilator stays.
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 UC San Francisco research team found that a specific microRNA, miR-30a-5p, plays a central role in the development of alcohol addiction by lowering levels of protective protein BDNF. Increasing miR-30a-5p levels in the brain region mPFC reduced BDNF and led to excessive drinking behavior.
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.
The SUNY Research Foundation has been awarded a five-year, $8.2 million grant to support the Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC) at Binghamton University. The center will focus on understanding the effects of prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure on brain development.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that returning National Guard soldiers are more likely to develop a drinking problem if faced with civilian life setbacks. The study highlights the important role civilian life and stress play in cases of alcohol use disorder among National Guard soldiers.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly 14% of reserve soldiers returning from deployment experience alcohol abuse, almost double the civilian population rate. The study highlights the important role civilian life and stress play in cases of alcohol use disorder among National Guard members.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry indicates that middle-aged adults with a history of problem drinking are more than twice as likely to suffer from severe memory impairment in later life. The research highlights the link between harmful patterns of alcohol consumption and problems with memory, which may ...
Research suggests that individuals with military service are more likely to experience severe adult health consequences such as PTSD, substance use, and attempted suicide. Men with military service had a significantly higher prevalence of ACEs than non-military peers, particularly in categories related to sexual abuse.
A study of Finnish twins found that adolescent drinking problems were strongly associated with adverse outcomes in early adulthood, including substance abuse, poor health, and relationship problems. The researchers controlled for genetic and environmental factors to isolate the causal effect of adolescent drinking on adult outcomes.
A study found that fish oil compound protected against inflammation and neuronal cell death in brain cells exposed to high levels of alcohol. The findings suggest limited amounts of alcohol may make brain cells more fit, reducing the risk of neurodegeneration and dementia.
A joint research team has identified alterations in neuronal structure and protein changes in the prefrontal cortex of brains affected by alcohol abuse. The study found reduced levels of α- and β-tubulin and β II spectrin proteins, affecting neuronal organization and functioning.
Researchers found that killing experiences may cause soldiers to become more aware of their own mortality, triggering a focus on self-preservation and reduced high-risk alcohol consumption. The study suggests that this increased sense of vulnerability leads to decreased alcohol abuse rates among soldiers who have killed in combat.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that adults with a parent who abused alcohol are 85% more likely to attempt suicide. Having divorced parents also increases the risk of suicide attempts by 14%. However, combining divorce and parental alcohol abuse does not increase suicide risk.
A study found that pro-inflammatory molecules were strongly associated with increased mortality in alcohol-abusing HIV patients. IL-6 was identified as the molecule most closely linked to mortality, regardless of antiretroviral therapy use. This research may inform strategies to improve mortality rates among this vulnerable population.
Researchers found that weekend drinking leads to double the oxidative damage compared to non-drinkers, with DNA damage affecting 44% of cells in drinker group. The study reveals a new potential health risk associated with young people's alcohol consumption.
Liver transplant recipients who receive substance abuse treatment before and after transplantation have lower alcohol relapse rates than those untreated or only treated prior to transplantation. Continued alcohol abuse post-transplantation also decreases graft survival and increases organ scarring.
A study in rats reveals that nicotine exposure temporarily changes the brain's response to alcohol, increasing its reinforcing properties through stress hormones. This finding highlights the mechanisms underlying the link between smoking and alcohol abuse, providing a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate this risk.
A study of college students found that female drinkers exceeded national guidelines for weekly drinking, putting them at increased risk for long-term health issues. Weekly drinking limits are lower for women due to differences in alcohol metabolism and blood volume.
A study will determine if a two-question screener accurately identifies underage drinking issues among children and teenagers. The researchers aim to assess the screener's effectiveness across different factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family structure.
A University of Iowa-led study found that adolescents whose best friends drink alcohol are twice as likely to have a first drink and three times as likely to begin drinking themselves. The study aims to help specialists predict when adolescents are likely to first consume alcohol to prevent problem drinking.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that about half of addiction counselors in the US now find moderate drug use acceptable as an intermediate goal, while one-third consider it acceptable as a final goal. However, for clients with severe dependence, limits on consumption are still widely rejected.
A recent study found that symptoms of alcohol abuse, rather than dependence, are a better predictor of familial risk for alcohol use disorders. The researchers analyzed the clinical features of 1,120 twins and found that AUD-associated legal problems were the most consistent single predictor of familial risk.
Research using mice reveals heavy alcohol use rewires brain circuitry, making it harder for alcoholics to recover psychologically following a traumatic experience. The study found that chronic exposure to alcohol impairs the ability to control emotional responses, putting people at greater risk for PTSD.
A study found that bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, increases the risk of alcohol use disorders (AUD) in patients. The prevalence of AUD symptoms was higher in the second postoperative year compared to before and after surgery.
Researchers found that soldiers experiencing depression and/or PTSD during or after deployment were most likely to develop new onset alcohol abuse. The study suggests that self-medication with alcohol may be a coping mechanism for these individuals.
Researchers identified two groups of college students who drank at fairly high levels, with one group showing higher levels of impulsivity and aggression. These individuals are at a higher risk for developing future alcohol problems.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that binge drinking increases with rising state-level unemployment rates, affecting all population subgroups. Additionally, employed individuals are more likely to experience problematic drinking due to psychological factors like job insecurity.
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that female drink-driving offenders are more likely to be older, better-educated, and separated or divorced. Rehabilitation programmes for women can intensify feelings of guilt and shame, leading to reoffending.
Victims of severe elder abuse show higher rates of physical harm, mental illness, and substance abuse compared to non-abused individuals. The study found that 29% of abuse victims tested positive for alcohol, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.
Researchers found that patients with alcohol abuse history experienced less improvement in physical quality of life and greater pain and physical limitations after transplant surgery. However, their mental health quality improved significantly between baseline and one-month follow-up.
New research finds that adolescents with a family history of alcohol abuse demonstrate decreased neural activity in the frontal lobe, suggesting a subtle vulnerability to future alcoholism. This study suggests that youth with familial alcoholism may have a less mature frontal system, making it harder to manage real-life situations.
A study from Michigan Medicine and Saint Louis University found that 14.7% of people with alcohol-related problems used clergy services, highlighting their role in overall system of care. Factors associated with increased likelihood of using clergy services include being Black, aged 35-54 years, and major depressive disorder.
A new study suggests that exercise can reduce alcohol intake in humans by stimulating brain reward pathways and regulating circadian rhythms. Exercise may provide a beneficial alternative to reducing alcohol consumption, with the 'lazier' hamsters having a greater craving for alcohol when restricted from exercising.
A study found that alcohol abuse elevated specific genes in the nucleus accumbens, while nicotine blunted this effect. The research also identified a set of genes crucial for cell structure regulation, which were altered by both alcohol and nicotine abuse.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a set of 17 proteins in the blood that accurately predict alcohol usage 90% of the time. These proteins can distinguish between excessive and responsible drinking levels, offering a potential diagnostic test for alcohol consumption.
A new study found that smoking, but not past alcohol abuse, may impair mental function in women. Women who had ever been addicted to smoking scored lower on cognitive tests than their nonsmoking counterparts.
Researchers discovered a molecule called Alda-1 that activates the defective enzyme, restoring its ability to metabolize acetaldehyde. The findings suggest a possible treatment for individuals with the enzyme defect, which affects approximately 40% of East Asian populations.
A study by Ohio State University found that older adults with alcohol dependence problems drink significantly more than their younger counterparts. On average, those over 60 have 40 or more drinks per week, compared to 25-35 drinks for younger age groups with similar problems.
A study at Boston University School of Medicine found that brief intervention improved outcomes for medical inpatients with non-dependent, unhealthy alcohol use, including reduced drinks per day and better physical health-related quality of life. However, the intervention had little effect on those with dependence, who experienced wors...
A single-screening question from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) accurately identifies unhealthy alcohol use in primary-care patients, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
A statistical modeling study found that alcohol abuse may lead to an increased risk of depression, rather than the reverse. The study used data from a 25-year study of health and development in New Zealand, finding that individuals with alcohol problems were 1.9 times more likely to also have major depression.
Alcohol can damage or kill neurons, altering adolescent brain development. Research suggests that teens are more likely to make bad decisions, develop tolerance, take risks, harm memories and interact poorly with medications when drinking alcohol.
A new study found that individuals who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) in adulthood. The research, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, controlled for various individual risk factors and found that early drinking is associated with increased AUD risk.
Middle schoolers are increasingly exposed to alcohol use due to peer pressure and social events. Parents can take proactive steps to prevent early drinking by having open conversations with their children about the risks of alcohol abuse.
A new study found that microRNA may influence the development of alcohol tolerance by regulating gene expression in brain cells. MicroRNA-9 was shown to block the expression of certain BK channel variants, which exhibited high alcohol sensitivity and low tolerance.