Articles tagged with Alcohol Abuse
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 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.
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.
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.
A study found that alcoholic women exhibit impaired working memory and visuospatial abilities, which remain significant even after abstinence. The researchers also discovered that female hormones may offer some protection against these impairments.
The University of Pittsburgh will conduct a long-term study on the impact of alcohol use and abuse on aging veterans with and without HIV. The study, VACS 5, aims to identify health and quality of life effects of alcohol consumption among this population.
A study of nearly 10,000 participants aged 51-62 found that problem drinkers were 33% more likely to report limitations in work or home functions. Heavy drinking was also associated with increased disability incidence, especially among those without a prior problem drinking history.
Researchers used Longitudinal Data Analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of adolescents with common patterns of symptoms, improving the accuracy of DSM-IV AUD diagnoses. The study found a one-year decrease in severity of alcohol-related problems after substance-abuse treatment.
A study of Mexican American women who report physical or sexual assault finds a strong relationship between alcohol abuse disorders and past victimization. This association remains even after controlling for other factors, suggesting that trauma may be part of the clinical picture in the present.
The study found that the nucleus accumbens responds proportionally to increasing rewards but not punishments, linking reward-related feelings to this brain area. Increasing reward cues evoked increasing self-rated happiness and nucleus accumbens activity.
A recent study found that individuals clinically identified as substance abusers have an elevated risk of injury. Alcohol-and-drug abusers had the highest risk of injury, followed by those who abused only one type of substance.
Researchers found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibit increased fear of anxiety and experience reduced anxiety symptoms when drinking. This study suggests that high AS individuals may drink excessively to cope with anxiety, leading to a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
Scientists have found that cocaine abuse coupled with use of alcohol leads to impulsive decision-making and poorer performance on tests of learning and memory. The negative effects persist for at least a month after substance use stops, according to the study published in Neurology.
According to a NIH/NIAAA study, approximately 28.6% of U.S. children are exposed to familial alcohol dependence or abuse before age 18. Children of alcoholics face increased risk of psychopathology and medical problems, including an increased risk for developing alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
Research shows that scarring from emotional abuse is more likely to trigger a battered wife's decision to leave her spouse. The study identifies two types of abusers: Pit Bulls and Cobras, with Cobras being characterized by a history of antisocial behavior and violence outside their marriages.
Young people who started drinking before age 15 were four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who began at age 21. The risk of alcohol abuse was also significantly higher among early drinkers.
A study by Pitt researchers found that adolescents with alcohol problems were more likely to have experienced traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting these individuals may be effective in preventing substance abuse.