A to Z

alcohol consumption

This image shows brain scans of the continued damage alcohol does to the brain

·April 3, 2019·5 min read

Alcohol-induced brain damage continues after alcohol is stopped

Contrary to popular belief that brain changes begin to normalize immediately after ceasing alcohol consumption, a new study reveals damage to the brain continues during the first weeks of abstinence.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 15, 2020·4 min read

Binge drinkers beware, Drunkorexia is calling

One in three women between the ages of 18 and 24 report saving their calories for binge drinking episodes. Researchers say the behavior can contribute to what they call "drunkorexia," characterized by disordered patterns of eating to offset the negative effects of excess alcohol consumption, such as weight gain.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 1, 2019·4 min read

Brain growth inhibited by heavy alcohol use

Heavy drinking during adolescence negatively impacts brain development and growth. Chronic alcohol exposure reduces cerebral white matter and the development of the subcortical thalamus.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 14, 2018·5 min read

Colder, Darker Climates Increase Alcohol Consumption and Liver Disease

According to researchers, those who live in colder regions with less daytime sun light drink more alcohol than those who live in warm areas. Climate, researchers say, may impact the prevalence of alcoholism and alcoholic cirrhosis.

This shows someone pouring a glass of wine

Featured Neuroscience

·July 15, 2022·9 min read

Drinking Alcohol Poses Greater Health Risks for Young People vs. Older Adults

Older adults who consume alcohol are at less risk of adversive health risk than younger people, a new study reports. Low levels of alcohol consumed by healthy older people can have some health benefits, researchers say.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 10, 2017·4 min read

Frequent Alcohol Use Kills New Brain Cells in Adults: Females More Vulnerable

A new study reports on how neural stem cells in adult mice respond differently to alcohol exposure, and these changes are different depending on the sex of the animal.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 28, 2019·4 min read

Is Alcohol Consumption More Helpful Than Harmful? It Depends on Your Age

Researchers report younger people are more likely to die from alcohol consumption, where as older people are more likely to see health benefits from moderate drinking.

Image shows people drinking around a table.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·March 4, 2018·4 min read

Letting Kids Taste Alcohol May Lead to Drinking Problems in Late Adolescence

Researchers report allowing children to taste alcohol may lead to an increased risk of developing drinking problems during late adolescence.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 7, 2019·7 min read

Moderate alcohol consumption does not protect against stroke

Contrary to popular belief, drinking 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks a day may not help protect against stroke. Researchers report blood pressure and stroke risk increase with alcohol consumption.

This shows people clinking cocktail glasses

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 14, 2022·5 min read

Moderate Drinking Linked to Brain Changes and Cognitive Decline

Consuming seven or more units of alcohol per week is associated with increased iron levels in the brain. Higher levels of iron in the brain is linked to increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders and alcohol-related cognitive decline.