http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/alcoholism/ Find current medical research and in-depth information on alcoholism, symptoms and treatment of alcoholism as well as clinical depression. Expand your understanding of alcohol's effect on the brain and learn techniques for managing stress. en-us Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:05:01 EDT Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/alcoholism/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008073045.htm Although communities commonly use sobriety checkpoints and increased police patrols to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol, a new review finds that there is not enough evidence to say definitively that the efforts work to cut down the number of accidents and deaths from drunk driving. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008073045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180519.htm Researchers have found that treatment with stimulant drugs does not increase and appears to significantly decrease the risk that girls with ADHD will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or drugs. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008150443.htm New research findings suggest that structural abnormalities in the brains of cocaine addicts are related in part to drug use and in part to a predisposition toward addiction. The research maps the topography of the addicted brain and provides new insight into the effect of cocaine on neural systems mediating cognition and motivation. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008150443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180656.htm Magnetic resonance brain imaging reveals that patients with generalized social phobia respond differently than others to negative comments about themselves, according to a new report. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093237.htm A new study shows that adolescent insomnia symptoms are associated with depression, suicide ideation and attempts, and the use of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs such as cocaine. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002211720.htm Sometimes, small changes do add up. In the case of addictive diseases, tiny variations in a few genes can increase or decrease the likelihood of some people developing a dependency on heroin. Now, by examining a select group of genetic variants in more than 400 former severe heroin addicts, Rockefeller University researchers have identified several genetic variations in American and Israeli Caucasians that influence the risk for becoming addicted to one of the world's most powerful substances. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002211720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093802.htm Countries with strict social rules and behavioral etiquette such as the United Kingdom may foster drinking cultures characterized by unruly or bad behavior, according to a new report on alcohol and violence. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930102637.htm While obstetrical care providers are doing a good job working with their patients on smoking cessation, they are not doing as well on abuse of other substances that can harm a woman's unborn baby a new study found. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930102637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929163713.htm Researchers have known that age of first drink (AFD) is associated with the later development of alcohol-use disorders (AUDs). New findings show that an early AFD, before the age of 15, is especially risky for later AUDs. Experts recommend delaying the onset of drinking behavior as late as possible, until 18 or older. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929163713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164533.htm Prior animal research showed an association between the neuropeptide Y (NPY) pathway and its three receptor genes and alcohol dependence, alcohol withdrawal and cocaine use. New human findings link two NPY receptor genes, NPY2R and NPY5R, with a more severe form of AD, and cocaine dependence. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164535.htm Ghrelin is a peptide found mostly in the stomach but also in the brain. Ghrelin is known to have an effect on food intake by increasing feelings of hunger and the urge to eat. New findings show that the ghrelin system may also be involved in addictive behaviors and brain reward. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922122527.htm Family members may experience post-traumatic stress as many as six months after a loved one's stay in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), according to a new study. The study found that symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members of ICU patients diminished over time, but high rates of post-traumatic stress and complicated grief remained. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922122527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923140842.htm A new study shows that high levels of drug and alcohol consumption are behind the growth in violence among young tourists. The research work, focusing on Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain, shows that 5% of tourists visiting these areas become involved in some kind of violence during their stay. Ecstasy was the only drug consumed that the scientists have not linked to violent acts. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923140842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164537.htm Smokers are more likely to drink and drink heavily, and heavy smokers also tend to be heavy drinkers. New findings indicate that nondaily or "casual" smoking among young adults confers a greater risk of hazardous drinking and alcohol-use disorders. Casual smokers were 16 times more likely than non-smokers to be hazardous drinkers, and five times more likely to meet criteria for an AUD. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922100159.htm Whether young people get drunk as a purposeful behavior or as an unintended consequence depends on what country they live in, according to new research on young people in seven countries. The research finds that young people's views on alcohol and drunkenness were influenced more by culture than by factors such as age and sex. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922100159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918170813.htm Mothers, take note. If you really want to curb your teens' chances of using alcohol, help them develop a self-view that doesn't include drinking. According to a new Iowa State University study, the power of positive thinking by moms may limit their children's alcohol use. Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918170813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917095356.htm Women who have bulimia in pregnancy have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to pregnant women without eating disorders. A new Norwegian study shows that they also have lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationship with their partner. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917095356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911103908.htm Suffering serious injury can have long-lasting implications for a patient's mental health, according to the largest-ever US study evaluating the impact of traumatic injury. Researchers found that post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were common among patients assessed one year after suffering serious injury. Injured patients diagnosed with PTSD or depression were also six times more likely to not return to work in the year following injury. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911103908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904215613.htm Binge drinking (5 or more alcoholic beverages at one time) is associated with risky sexual behaviors. A new study examined this association by gender at a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Binge drinking increased the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors and having an STD for women patients. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904215613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904215615.htm Injuries are the leading cause of death among children ages one to 14 in the United States. A first-of-its-kind study shows that numerous off-premise alcohol outlets in neighborhoods can reduce overall guardianship of children's activities, leading to increased injuries. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904215615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904151637.htm The first few weeks of middle school are a frenzy of friends, parties, and school events. It's also time for parents to start talking with their kids about the dangers of drinking alcohol, according to the Science Inside Alcohol Project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904151637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902122849.htm A new study conducted at a large university finds more than 25 percent of those surveyed reported symptoms of tanning dependence, including symptoms similar to alcohol and drug-addicted individuals. Suggestively, the study also found those with a tanning dependence tend to be more likely to be thin and smoke cigarettes than others. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902122849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903101414.htm New research reveals that one in four cases of self-harm go unreported and one in five occur under the influence of alcohol. Also, six in ten ‘self-harmers’ mention suicidal wishes. The new study also shows that self-cutting is not confined to young girls, but is the most common form of self-harm amongst young boys too. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903101414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903172156.htm In an effort to better understand how chronic stress affects the human body, researchers have created an animal model that shows how chronic stress affects behavior, physiology and reproduction. Developing the animal model better positions the researchers to understand the neurohormonal causes of such stress and the body reaction in order to develop more effective treatment options for humans. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903172156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901084842.htm Objectively measured heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for early carotid atherosclerosis, which may progress to be associated with stroke. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis, a leading cause of stroke, increases significantly with the severity of snoring. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901084842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901090117.htm Depression and heart disease are the two leading disorders with the strongest contributions to the global burden of disease. Depression and heart disease are also intertwined. In recent years, much attention has been given to depression following heart attack and its effects on prognosis. Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901090117.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827102742.htm Addictions to medicines and drugs are thought to develop over a relatively long period of time. The process involves both structural and functional changes in brain nerve cells that are still poorly understood. However, a single drug or alcohol dose is sufficient to generate an initial stage of addiction. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827102742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827100814.htm The news about antidepressant medications over the past several years has been mixed. The bad news from large multicenter studies such as STAR*D is that current antidepressant medications are effective, but not as effective as one might hope. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827100814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827163820.htm Increased connections among brain cells caused by excessive drug use may represent the body's defense mechanism to combat addiction and related behaviors, scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827163820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825103531.htm The initial signs of fetal alcohol syndrome are slight but classic: facial malformations such as a flat and high upper lip, small eye openings and a short nose. Researchers want to know if those facial clues can help them figure out how much alcohol it takes during what point in development to cause these and other lifelong problems. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825103531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825103523.htm A research work carried out in sample of adolescents aged between 13 and 18 from Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza has analysed the relationship between sport activity and tobacco consumption. According to this work, 59.2 percent of the Spanish adolescents are physically active, although there are significant differences according to sex (71.1 percent of boys, as against 46.7 percent of girls). Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825103523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825092347.htm In a study on adolescent depression following terror attacks, Professor Golan Shahar of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer-Sheva, Israel, and Professor Christopher Henrich of Georgia State University, report that social support experienced by these adolescents seems to protect against depression. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825092347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825092424.htm Leading child advocates have called for a new approach to tackling child abuse and neglect amid rising rates of abuse notifications and children being brought into state care. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825092424.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822131303.htm Public health campaigns intended to reduce unhealthy behaviors like binge drinking and eating junk food often focus on the risks of those behaviors. But a new study suggests a relatively simple but surprisingly effective strategy to improve consumer health. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822131303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821164252.htm Many people sleep better when they are on holiday, and wish that they could sleep as well all the time. But according to the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, it is not only being free of daily worries that can make a difference to sleep. Good bedtime habits can help people to sleep well all year-round. Medication provides short-term relief at best. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821164252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820080339.htm Alcohol use can cause reproductive dysfunctions for both teenage and adult females. A new study is the first to examine alcohol's effects on childbearing onset across reproductive development. Findings show that, for women, alcoholism is linked with delayed childbearing. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820080339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820162848.htm In a novel study looking at the propensity of illegal alcohol sales at sports stadiums, researchers reported that nearly one in five people posing as underage drinkers, and three out of four seemingly intoxicated "fans" were able to buy alcohol at professional sporting events. They also found that location mattered: sales were more likely if the attempt took place in the stadium stands rather than at a concession booth. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820162848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813085256.htm Sexual dysfunction is not an inevitable part of aging, but it is strongly related a number of factors, such as mental and physical health, demographics and lifetime experiences, many of which are interrelated. People who had an STD are also more likely to have had sexual experiences over their lifetimes that included more risks and multiple sex partners. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813085256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160607.htm Younger service members and Reserve and National Guard combat personnel returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are at increased risk of new-onset heavy drinking, binge drinking and other alcohol-related problems, according to a new study. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135513.htm Researchers using positron emission tomography (PET) have validated a long-held theory that individual personality traits -- particularly reward dependency -- are connected to brain chemistry, a finding that has implications for better understanding and treating substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811070628.htm In a study on fetal alcohol syndrome, researchers were able to prevent the damage that alcohol causes to cells in a key area of the fetal brain by blocking acid sensitive potassium channels and preventing the acidic environment that alcohol produces. The cerebellum, the portion of the brain that is responsible for balance and muscle coordination, is particularly vulnerable to injury from alcohol during development. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811070628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080805192727.htm New research reveals how the brain processes the "rewarding" and addictive properties of nicotine, providing a better understanding of why some people seemingly become hooked with their first smoke. The research could lead to new therapies to prevent nicotine dependence and to treat nicotine withdrawal when smokers try to quit. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080805192727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806122416.htm African-American girls who abuse alcohol are more likely to have unprotected sex despite having participated in interventions that stressed the importance of consistent condom use according to a study by public health researchers. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806122416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100200.htm A new study hints that people who have both alcohol problems and sleep problems -- which often occur together -- might be helped by an epilepsy drug. The study, which is small but was placebo-controlled, opens the door for further research on how to help alcohol-dependent people escape the Catch-22 of insomnia and drinking that often stands in the way of their recovery. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731173121.htm What's causing some university students to pack on the pounds? University of Alberta researchers say the culprit could be television commercials. Researchers discovered students who reported medium or high television viewership snacked more frequently while watching TV and recognized more advertising than students who were considered low TV viewers. Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731173121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730175518.htm An experimental drug that blocks the euphoric feelings associated with drinking may prevent alcoholics from relapsing. The finding, the result of a mouse study at Oregon Health & Science University, could lead to human clinical trials within the next year. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730175518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140839.htm A new study in the journal Neuron indicates that microRNA may influence the development of alcohol tolerance, a hallmark of alcohol abuse and dependence. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730155352.htm New research has uncovered a fundamental cellular mechanism that may drive pathological drug-seeking behavior. Rats that voluntarily use cocaine show a persistent cellular memory in the brain's reward center even after several months of abstinence from the drug, while their involuntary counterparts had no such memory, according to a new study. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730155352.htm