Articles tagged with Alcohol Abuse
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.
Researchers are surveying 1,500 Mexican-American males living on the U.S.-Mexico border to examine their alcohol consumption and behavior. The study aims to understand how acculturation, religious affiliation, cultural influences, and cost affect drinking habits in this population.
A new report by CAMH estimates that implementing six interventions would result in cost savings of about $1 billion per year, saving close to 26,000 years of life lost due to premature death. Brief interventions were the most effective measure to avoid other alcohol-attributable criminal activities.
A study confirms that bipolar adolescents face a significant risk of smoking and substance abuse, with rates of 34% in the bipolar group compared to 4% in controls. Early preventive measures and screening are essential for this high-risk population.
A new NIH study identifies high incidence rates of substance use disorders and major mood and anxiety disorders in the US population. The study found that age is a critical general risk factor for first onset DSM-IV substance use, mood, and anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that mice treated with rimonabant, a cannabinoid receptor blocker, developed resistant livers to alcohol's fat-building effects. This discovery suggests that treating fatty liver with CB1 antagonists may slow its progression and prevent severe liver disease.
A recent study found that chronic alcohol consumption by lung donors promotes scarring and airway injury after transplantation. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, raises questions about human lung donors with a history of alcohol abuse.
A pilot program at the University of Cincinnati has shown promising results in curbing alcohol abuse among college students who turn to drinking to cope with social anxiety. The program uses motivational interviewing and behavioral therapy to help students manage their anxiety and reduce hazardous drinking behaviors.
New research highlights racial disparities in alcohol treatment completion, with African Americans and Hispanics facing lower enrollment rates in residential programs. Increasing access to intensive services may help reduce these disparities.
A 2001-2002 survey found that over 30% of US adults met criteria for an alcohol use disorder, with a significant gap in treatment uptake. The study's findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing AUDs early in their course to prevent personal disability and societal damage.
A recent study found that approximately 30% of Americans experience some form of alcohol use disorder, leading to significant impairment and distress. The study also revealed that disability levels increase steadily as dependence becomes more severe, with males and younger adults being disproportionately affected.
A new study identifies five distinct subtypes of alcoholism, including a young adult subtype characterized by low rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders. The functional subtype is defined by well-educated individuals with stable jobs and families.
According to the study, approximately 10.3% of U.S. adults have problems with drug use or abuse, with 2.6% becoming drug-dependent at some point. The results highlight the need for education and prevention efforts to address these widespread issues.
A new study reveals that female alcoholics experience both physiological and cognitive declines from alcohol use sooner and with less consumption than men. Women are at risk of developing cognitive problems more rapidly than men, with deficits in executive functioning having a more pervasive effect on daily life.
A genetic variant of a brain receptor increases the stimulating effects of early alcohol exposure and boosts alcohol consumption. Monkeys with this gene showed enhanced pleasurable effects from alcohol, consuming more and becoming intoxicated more frequently than others.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol abuse disrupts the protective barrier in the lungs, making it harder for the body to handle fluid accumulation. This can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia and ARDS.
A new study found that individuals who become alcohol dependent before age 25 are less likely to seek treatment, experience more frequent and longer-lasting episodes, and meet more dependence diagnostic criteria. Researchers call for increased prevention and treatment efforts for this vulnerable population.
A new study suggests that higher levels of dopamine D2 receptors may provide a protective effect for those most at risk of developing alcoholism. The research found that these receptors, involved in emotional reactions and cognitive control, are elevated in the brains of participants with a family history of alcoholism.
Data from a survey of 43,000 U.S. adults suggest that early alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of developing future alcohol problems, including dependence and relapse.
A study found that a brief intervention reduced symptoms of depression by 20% in college students, with feelings of hopelessness dropping 31%. The low-cost treatment, delivered through mail, has shown promise as a potential solution for the growing problem of depression among young adults.
A study published in Chest Journal found that alcohol abuse increases the risk of pneumonia, with decreased immune system activity being a key factor. The consequences of this study could have a significant impact on a high number of people, particularly in Spain where alcohol is a major cause of death.
According to the study, underage drinkers and pathological drinkers collectively spent at least $48.3 billion on alcohol in 2001, accounting for nearly one-third of total consumer expenditures. The majority of adult drinkers who developed abuse or dependence began drinking before age 21.
A study found that American Indians with alcohol abuse or dependence have significantly higher rates of medical conditions, including sprains, hearing problems, and kidney issues. The researchers also noted that the total count of medical conditions is related to the severity of alcohol use.
Recovering alcoholics who smoked showed significantly less improvement in brain function and neurochemical markers of brain cell health compared to those who didn't smoke. Quitting smoking may be beneficial for better brain recovery from alcoholism, suggests a study.
The NESARC study found that nearly half of those with major depressive disorder (MDD) wanted to die or considered suicide, while also experiencing substance abuse disorders. MDD prevalence varies by age, ethnicity, and comorbidities, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions.
The study found that mice with normal and intermediate levels of CB1 receptors drank significantly less alcohol compared to their pre-treatment levels after being treated with a drug known to block CB1 receptors. The results also showed that mice with no CB1 receptors showed no change in drinking in response to the treatment.
A new study from the Mayo Clinic found that smokers with a history of alcoholism can quit smoking using customized nicotine replacement therapy. The study, which adjusted nicotine patch dosages based on serum cotinine levels, resulted in a tobacco abstinence rate of 51 percent.
Acetaldehyde's interaction with polyamines may explain the link between alcohol and certain cancers. Researchers found that polyamines can stimulate the conversion of acetaldehyde into a mutagenic DNA base, increasing cancer risk.
A study of Cambodian immigrants in the US found a significant prevalence of PTSD and depression, with rates highest among older, poorer, and unemployed individuals. The research suggests that these disorders may be linked to a single continuum of posttraumatic stress.
Researchers emphasize the need for early detection and monitoring of alcohol abuse to prevent dependence issues. Emerging biomarkers, such as genetic analysis, hold promise for accurate diagnosis and treatment compliance.
Research suggests that drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in newborns, with excessive alcohol use increasing the risk by more than three times. Maternal smoking also increases the risk of infection, and concurrent abuse of both alcohol and smoking may have synergistic effects.
Researchers found that concentrated community interventions resulted in significant declines in alcohol-related fatal crashes, with 22% reductions in crashes involving BACs of 0.01% or higher. The studies also showed a 20% decline in crashes for BACs of 0.08% or higher and a 17% decline for BACs of 0.15% or higher.
A 2001-2002 survey found that 25% of individuals with alcohol dependence are now dependent, 27.3% are in partial remission, and 11.8% are asymptomatic risk drinkers. The likelihood of abstinent recovery increased with age and certain factors such as marriage, family history of alcoholism, and fewer symptoms of dependence.
A study found that heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of spousal abuse in male US Army soldiers, both when they are and are not drinking. The research also showed that women who live with heavy drinkers or are themselves heavy drinkers are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics show significant deficits in executive functioning during abstinence's first weeks, impacting treatment compliance and daily life. This impairment can last for weeks after quitting drinking, requiring clinicians to adjust expectations.
The NESARC study reveals high rates of comorbidity between substance use disorders and independent mood and anxiety disorders. Approximately 20% of persons with a current substance use disorder experience a mood or anxiety disorder within the same time period.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) survey found that over 16 million Americans had a personality disorder, with avoidant, dependent, and paranoid disorders more prevalent among females. The study highlights the importance of addressing these conditions to prevent further impairment.
Researchers found that giving antioxidants to pregnant mice exposed to ethanol reduced limb malformations by 36%. The study suggests that improving nutritional status through daily multivitamins may help prevent birth defects. However, excessive vitamin consumption can be harmful to fetuses.
Research finds that childhood abuse is a significant predictor of comorbid anxiety disorders, including social phobia, agoraphobia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among adult alcoholics. This study highlights the importance of assessing childhood trauma in evaluating and treating alcoholic patients.
Researchers found that HIV-positive patients with a history of alcohol abuse showed statistically significant impairments in verbal IQ, verbal reasoning, and reaction time compared to those without a history of alcohol dependence. Even after stopping alcohol use, these patients remained at risk for cognitive impairment.
Researchers have identified a consistent association between alcohol dependence and the GABRG3 gene, which may suggest a genetic predisposition to increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study found that this gene plays a role in influencing the risk for alcoholism by altering brain state and circuit activity.
Researchers found that a compound blocking NPY activity delays alcohol self-administration and reduces rewarding effects of alcohol in mice. This study suggests L-152,804 has potential as a treatment for alcoholism.
The study found that children of MZ and DZ twins with a history of alcohol dependence were significantly more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence than those with non-alcoholic fathers. A low-risk environment can moderate the impact of high genetic risk regarding offspring for the development of alcohol-use disorders.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Native Americans who experienced adverse childhood environments were more likely to develop alcoholism. The research highlights the need for social programs and preventive education to address this issue.
Rensselaer's active campus/community coalition is addressing alcohol abuse through various programs, including First Year Experience orientation and on-demand educational programs. The university has also distributed billboards, flyers, and free license verifiers to reduce underage drinking.
Alcohol abusers may show signs of improvement that are part of their natural cycle, not indicative of true recovery. Most treatments may not last long enough to make a real positive impact, as the disease is dynamic and changes over time.
Scientists have identified a new brain region, the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, involved in alcohol craving. Urocortin levels in this region correspond with an animal's desire to drink alcohol, suggesting that reducing urocortin may help reduce alcohol craving.
A study comparing two short screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders found that the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS4) is more effective than the CAGE questionnaire, particularly among women and ethnic minorities. The RAPS4-QF variant performed significantly better in identifying alcohol abuse across all gender and service-ut...
Only 19% of physicians report screening new patients for domestic violence, despite its prevalence. However, once identified, physicians are more likely to intervene with counseling and follow-up care.
A NIH-funded study found that family-based interventions can save an average of $119,633 in avoided costs for society per case prevented. The Iowa Strengthening Families Program and Preparing for the Drug Free Years intervention programs were effective in reducing adolescent alcohol use.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to life-threatening lung disease due to glutathione depletion. Glutathione depletion leaves the lungs vulnerable to injury when a serious illness such as sepsis or pneumonia occurs. Effective therapies for preventing and treating chronic alcohol abuse-related lung damage are still being designed.