While those with autism are less likely to use substances than those who are not on the autism spectrum, those who do are more likely to self-medicate for their mental health symptoms. Those with ASD who self-medicate report they do so to improve focus and attention and, in some cases, to mask ASD symptoms.
Robust communication between parent and child during early years appears to have a beneficial effect on health behaviors as adults, researchers report. Adults who reported good communication with their parents as children had lower instances of alcohol abuse and eating disorders.
Tandospirone, a drug commonly used to treat anxiety related disorders, has been shown to reverse neurogenesis deficits caused by heavy alcohol use, researchers report.
Researchers have identified a network of genes which appears to work together in determining alcohol dependence.
Researchers have been able to identify and deactivate a brain pathway liked to memories associated with alcohol cravings in rats.