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alcohol addiction

This shows a man and a glass of whiskey.

·October 28, 2025·4 min read

Gene That Controls How Sensitive You Are to Alcohol Discovered

Researchers have discovered that a gene called CHRNA3 plays a key role in determining alcohol sensitivity, helping explain why some people tolerate alcohol better than others. When this gene was mutated, subjects were slower to avoid alcohol and consumed more of it, showing reduced sensitivity to its calming effects.

This shows a brain with a neutral network spreading from the PFC. A drink glass is behind the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 16, 2025·5 min read

Boosting Prefrontal Dopamine Shows Promise in Cutting Alcohol Use

A new study reveals that tolcapone, a dopamine-enhancing drug, strengthens brain circuits involved in self-control while reducing alcohol intake in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The drug boosts activity in the inferior frontal gyrus, part of the prefrontal cortex, which supports inhibitory control.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 11, 2022·7 min read

Ketamine and Psychological Therapy Helped Severe Alcoholics Abstain for Longer

Combining psychological therapy with ketamine treatments resulted in longer periods of abstinence for those with severe alcohol use disorder, a new study reports.

This is a drawing od a rat with the effects of neuroplasticity and alcohol highlighted on different body parts

Featured Neuroscience

·February 10, 2021·3 min read

Adult Neurogenesis May Hold Clues for More Effective Treatment of Alcoholism

A new series of studies review the roles neuroplasticity and neurogenesis play in alcohol addiction and recovery.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 5, 2021·6 min read

Increase in Pleasurable Effects of Alcohol Over Time Can Predict Alcohol Use Disorder

People who are most sensitive to the pleasurable and rewarding effects of alcohol are at greater risk of developing alcohol use disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 18, 2020·7 min read

Can Memory Manipulation Help Treat Alcohol Addiction?

Manipulating memory via optogenetics mitigated addiction-related behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 16, 2020·4 min read

Chronic Alcohol Use Reshapes the Brain’s Immune Landscape, Driving Anxiety and Addiction

Study identifies inflammatory mechanisms and cellular activity in the amygdala that drives alcohol addiction in mice. Chronic alcohol exposure compromises immune cells in the brain, driving anxiety and alcohol consumption that may lead to the development of AUD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 24, 2020·5 min read

PTSD and Alcohol Abuse Go Hand-in-Hand, but Males and Females Exhibit Symptoms Differently

Male and female rodents exhibit distinct symptoms and brain features of both PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Following trauma, males show increased GABA receptor function, while females showed increased GABA release.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 21, 2020·3 min read

The Immune System Facilitates Alcohol Addiction

A new study reveals the role microglia plays in alcohol addiction, finding the immune cells alter the geometry of gray matter while under the influence of alcohol.

This is a cartoon of a person watering a family tree with alcohol

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 10, 2020·5 min read

Alcoholism in the family affects how your brain switches between active and resting states

Having a parent with an alcohol use disorder affects how your brain transitions between active and resting states, regardless of your own drinking habits.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 18, 2019·5 min read

Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings

Optogenetic inactivation of CRF neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala decreases escalation of alcohol consumption and intensity of withdrawal in rodent models of alcoholism. The findings suggest a potential target for treating excessive drinking in alcohol use disorder.