People seeking help for their alcohol or other drug problems enter treatment with very different levels of motivation to change. Differences in motivation appear to make a critical difference in which patients seek, comply with, and complete treatment. Findings from a study of the extent to…
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Predicts Reliable Diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- A new study examined the reliability of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of alcohol dependence (AD) in a population-based sample.
- Characteristics relevant to the disorder – number of AD symptoms, treatment seeking,…
Understanding Alcohols Damaging Effects on the Brain
While alcohol has a wide range of pharmacological effects on the body, the brain is a primary target. However, the molecular mechanisms by which alcohol alters neuronal activity in the brain are poorly understood. Participants in a symposium at the June 2010 annual meeting of the Research…
Binge Drinkers are Less Able to Learn New Verbal Information
- Binge drinking by young adults is prevalent in the United States and increasing in Europe.
- The brains hippocampus is particularly sensitive to alcohols neurotoxicity.
- New findings show a clear link between binge drinking and a reduced ability to learn new verbal…
Deep Gray Matter is Possible Key in Explaining FASD
- Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have numerous motor, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties.
- Deep gray matter, the brains "relay" stations, may be key to understanding alcohol-related brain injuries.
- Recent findings show significant volume…
Peers, Coping and Low Response to Alcohol All Contribute to Adolescent Drinking
- A low level of response (LR) to alcohol is one of several genetically influenced characteristics that may increase an individuals risk for heavy drinking and alcohol problems.
- A new study has examined the LR model of risk among adolescents in the United Kingdom.
- …
Genetic Determinants Affect the Development of Alcohol Dependence Differently by Gender
- Gender differences exist in the prevalence, characteristics, and course of alcohol dependence (AD).
- Polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) are strong genetic determinants of AD.
- While inactive ALDH2 traditionally delays…
Heavy Drinkers Have Poor Dietary Habits
- Excessive drinking and an unbalanced diet are two preventable contributors to health problems.
- A new study of adults in Spain has found that heavy drinking, binge drinking, a preference for spirits, and drinking alcohol at mealtimes were associated with a poor adherence to major…
Genetically Influenced Low Responses to Alcohol can Equal Risk for Alcoholism
- A low level of response (LR) to alcohol reflects at least in part a low brain response to alcohol and carries significant risk for the later development of alcoholism.
- This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activation in individuals with…
Comparative Study of European Countries on Relationship between Drinking and Harm
- A new study examines the impact that the cultural context of drinking may have on the relationship between drinking and harm in several European countries.
- Results suggest a significant relationship between volume of consumption and risk of experiencing alcohol-related problems…