A new series of studies review the roles neuroplasticity and neurogenesis play in alcohol addiction and recovery. Read More
Researchers have identified a pathway in the brain responsible for the development of alcohol addiction. Read More
People who are most sensitive to the pleasurable and rewarding effects of alcohol are at greater risk of developing alcohol use disorders. Read More
Manipulating memory via optogenetics mitigated addiction-related behaviors. Read More
Low-level exposure to lead during development does not lead to alcohol use disorder, but does alter the neural circuits in a way that if addiction occurs, it makes it harder to refrain from returning to addiction related behaviors. Read More
Study reveals binge drinking is associated with more widespread neural dysfunction than previously believed. In those who binge drink, the visual areas of the brain show unusually high levels of activation. Additionally, those who binge drink have more difficulty in feeling empathy for others. Read More
Researchers hypothesize vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency may play a significant role in dementia associated with alcohol use disorder. It is known iron deposits in the brain contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Those with AUD have elevated levels of both iron in their blood and thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is vital for maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Thiamine deficiency associated with AUD disrupts the integrity of the BBB, allowing for more iron deposits within the brain and leading to oxidative tissue damage. Read More
Study reveals a previously unrecognized family connection to alcohol use disorder, the drinking habits of a person's in-laws. People married to those who experienced parental alcohol misuse as a child are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol, even if the spouse has no history of a personal battle with alcohol use. Read More
Twenty-nine genes have now been identified as being linked to problematic alcohol use. A new study report, in addition to an increased risk of alcohol use disorder, people with specific genes linked to AUD also have an increased risk of depression, insomnia, and addiction to tobacco. Read More
Estrogen level fluctuations appear to play a role in alcohol use disorder in women. Reducing the number of estrogen receptors in the ventral tegmental area decreased binge drinking behaviors in female mouse models. Read More
Researchers have identified 29 genetic variants linked to problematic alcohol use. Nineteen of the genes were previously unknown independent risk factors for alcohol use disorder. Read More
Women aged 50 to 70 are more likely to consume alcohol at levels that exceed low-risk drinking guidelines than younger women. They are also more likely to perceive their drinking behavior as normal and acceptable, so long as they appear in control and respectable. Read More
