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 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST 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/2009/11/091109194743.htm The alcohol industry's sponsorship of sport should be banned and replaced with a dedicated alcohol tax modeled on those employed by some countries for tobacco, say scientists. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174345.htm Intermittent access to foods rich in fat and sugar induces changes in the brain which are comparable to those observed in drug dependence, according to new research. The findings may explain how abstinence from these foods contributes to relapse eating among dieters as well as related eating disorders. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm Alcohol and drug use are known contributors to adolescents engaging in dangerous sexual activity. Yet, research suggests that fewer than half of pediatricians report screening patients for such at-risk behaviors. A new diagnostic test allows clinicians to quickly and accurately screen teens for high risk drug and alcohol use. Now, researchers have established that the same test can also identify teens who more likely to be engaging in high risk sexual behaviors. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121618.htm Drunken fruit flies have helped researchers identify networks of genes -- also present in humans -- that play a key role in alcohol drinking behavior. This discovery provides an indication of why some people seem to tolerate alcohol better than others, and points toward a potential target for drugs aimed at preventing or eliminating alcoholism. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100018.htm Stress-evoked changes in circuits that regulate serotonin in certain parts of the brain can precipitate a low mood and a relapse of cocaine-seeking, based on mouse studies. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026192900.htm Your genetic make up may predispose you to drink more but may not increase your genetic risk for alcoholism. New research pinpoints genetic pathways and genes associated with levels of alcohol consumption but not with alcohol dependence in rats and humans. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026192900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026161834.htm A genetic study has examined the association between a polymorphism of the µ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene and alcohol misuse among adolescents. Results suggest that teens who carry the G allele (A118G) of the OPRM1 gene are at increased risk for alcohol problems because they experience alcohol as more pleasurable or rewarding than teens without A118G. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026161834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022134450.htm Two new studies illustrate just how hard it is to make sure people take their HIV medication. One study looked at the effects of drinking alcohol on adherence and showed the risk for non-adherence was double among drinkers compared to abstainers. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022134450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211531.htm Common mental disorders, such as depression and alcohol misuse, are the top psychological problems amongst UK troops post-deployment and not post traumatic stress disorder as is widely believed. A new study also finds that reservists remain at special risk of operational stress injury. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023163346.htm More than half the people who take antidepressants for depression never get relief. The reason, according to new research, is that the cause of depression has been oversimplified and drugs designed to treat it aim at the wrong target. The medications are like arrows shot at the outer rings of a bull's eye instead of the center. The findings offer the first novel concept for antidepressant drugs in 20 years. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023163346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102314.htm A new study found that chronic alcohol consumption reduces the number of new brain cells that form in the hippocampus of adolescent rhesus monkeys. This finding suggests these cells are vulnerable to alcohol and their presence may be essential for preventing alcohol dependence. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022202717.htm Low alcohol consumption is bad for your health in general, according to a new study. Researchers studied the relationship between alcohol consumption and health to test the current theory which suggests improved health is responsible for the link found between low alcohol consumption and increased wages. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022202717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115157.htm Researchers have found a genetic "switch" in fruit flies that plays an important role in making flies more tolerant to alcohol. This metabolic switch also has implications for the deadly liver disease cirrhosis in humans. A counterpart human gene contributes to a shift from metabolizing alcohol to the formation of fat in heavy drinkers. This shift can lead to fatty liver syndrome -- a precursor to cirrhosis. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100740.htm There is ample evidence for the genetic influence of alcohol dependence, and ongoing studies are actively looking for specific genes that may confer this increased susceptibility. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115151.htm People with relatively extreme opinions may be more willing to publicly share their views than those with more moderate views, according to a new study. The key is that the extremists have to believe that more people share their views than actually do, the research found. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192211.htm Alcohol use in South Asians in the UK is under-recognized, and alcohol related harm is disproportionately high, warn researchers in an editorial. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141720.htm Epileptic seizures are the most dramatic and prominent aspect of the "alcohol withdrawal syndrome" that occurs when a person abruptly stops a long-term or chronic drinking habit. Researchers have shown that the flow of calcium ions into brain cells via voltage-gated calcium channels plays an important role in the generation of alcohol withdrawal seizures, because blocking this flow suppresses these seizures. But do the changes in calcium currents contribute to alcohol withdrawal seizures or are they a consequence of the seizures? Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018171808.htm Migraine sufferers, beware. You may be more prone to an alcohol-induced headache after a night of drinking, according to researchers. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018171808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102039.htm According a new study of over 3,000 adults aged 70-79, the apparent association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of functional decline over time did not hold up after adjustments were made for characteristics related to lifestyle, in particular physical activity, body weight, education and income. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181448.htm Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines -- which function in the immune system -- may be involved in alcohol dependence. A study of three polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 gene complex (IL-1) and one of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha has found that IL-1 may directly contribute to AD among Spanish Caucasian males. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008192733.htm Researchers studied the drinking habits of 9,833 15- to 16-year-olds in the North West of England, finding that excessively low cost alcohol products and illicit purchase are strongly related to harmful underage drinking. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008192733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223726.htm Current figures underestimate the number of children who may be at risk of harm from parental substance use. Researchers have generated new estimates using five national surveys which include measures of binge, hazardous and dependent drinking, illicit drug use and mental health. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111623.htm The costs of drinking and driving are all too apparent, with alcohol involved in 41 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2006. In addition to the mortality and morbidity, the economic impact of alcohol impaired driving is estimated at $51 billion. Now a new study has found that even minimally injured alcohol-impaired drivers account for higher emergency department costs than other drivers. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124354.htm The existence of depression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is common and under-reported, according to new research. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181623.htm Individuals who follow the Mediterranean dietary pattern -- rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and fish -- appear less likely to develop depression, according to a new report. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005210002.htm How should mental, neurological, and substance use disorders be treated where resource are scarce? Over 90 percent of people with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in low and middle income countries go untreated, an inequity known as the mental health "treatment gap." Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005210002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181627.htm Patients who participate in a structured telephone program to manage their depression appear to experience significant benefits and only a moderate increase in health care costs when compared with those who receive usual care, according to a new report. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm New research looks at the specific ways parents and peers influence teenagers to smoke, drink and use marijuana in combination. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930084604.htm The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a growing number of soldiers evacuated to the United States for comprehensive care for physical and psychological trauma. Given the number of physical injuries often experienced by soldiers, it is not surprising that chronic pain is a frequent problem among returning soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930084604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124738.htm With substance abuse now accounting for one in 14 hospital admissions and generating billions in health care costs, leading scientists held a briefing on Capitol Hill recently to present the evidence that we already have and the evidence we need in treating and preventing the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081223.htm Mothers who smoke during pregnancy put their children at a higher risk of psychotic behavior, according to a new study. Researchers studied more than 6,000 children aged for psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. They found the risk of psychotic symptoms was highest in those children whose mothers smoked most heavily in pregnancy. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081204.htm A new study shows that long-term alcoholism affects sleep even after long periods of abstinence, and the pattern of this effect is similar in both men and women. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081217.htm A new study finds intoxicated trauma patients were more likely to survive their injuries than trauma patients who were sober. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081207.htm A new study shows that elderly women sleep better than elderly men even though women consistently report that their sleep is shorter and poorer. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172530.htm The Great Depression had a silver lining: during that hard time, US life expectancy actually increased by 6.2 years, according to a new study. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092652.htm A new study examines the rates of violence among homeless veterans and their partners and the significant results of group therapy. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922160102.htm There is new evidence that depression, obesity and alcohol abuse or dependency are interrelated conditions among young adult women but not men. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922160102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131028.htm Parents in low-income environments are more prone to depression when there is a lack of social support. This is especially prevalent in rural regions, where mental health and social resources can be deficient. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092646.htm In the future, diagnosing severe personality disorders, evaluating the childhood environment, assessing alcohol consumption and the analysis of the MAOA genotype may provide more accurate means for assessing risk among violent offenders, according to the research carried out jointly at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921161758.htm Individuals with ethanol in their bloodstreams appear less likely to die following a moderate to severe head injury, according to a new report. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921161758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921162142.htm Exposure to alcohol during adolescence apparently leads to long-term risky decision making, and a new study with rats shows there is a causal link. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921162142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181450.htm A new study has examined the relationship between suicide and number of alcohol outlets. Results show that suicides -- both completed and attempted -- occurred at greater rates in rural community areas with greater bar densities. Completed suicide rates were lower among blacks and Hispanics, and higher among low-income, older whites living in rural areas. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181458.htm The age at which a person takes a first drink may influence genes linked to alcoholism, making the youngest drinkers the most susceptible to severe problems. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918105803.htm Ordinary, loud snoring doesn't seem to be harmful, but snorers still may want to seek treatment to stop snoring, reduce embarrassment and improve sleep for themselves and their bed partner. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918105803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917191607.htm As if a bad hangover wasn't enough of a deterrent, new research has shown how binge drinking weakens the body's ability to fight off infection for at least 24 hours afterwards. The study focused on the effect of heavy drinking on toll-like receptor 4, a protein that has an important role in immune system activation. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917191607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181454.htm Interaction of gene/gene, gene/environment and environment/environment factors can contribute to alcoholism. New research looks at the influence of gene/environment interaction on alcoholism among Mexican-Americans. Findings show that interaction between education and a polymorphism of the reward gene contribute to severe alcoholism among Mexican-Americans. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914172526.htm Web-based screening and personalized interventions for alcohol use may reduce drinking in undergraduate students, according to a new report. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914172526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916173336.htm Zero tolerance laws have zero effect, says one expert, who analyzed data from 30,000 fatalities in nighttime accidents involving drivers under 21. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916173336.htm