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alcohol use disorder

·June 1, 2023·5 min read

Empathy’s Influence on Drinking Patterns

A recent study reports a surprising correlation between daily affective empathy and alcohol consumption. The study found that on days when people experienced higher levels of affective empathy (empathy based on shared emotional experiences) than usual, they tended to consume more alcohol.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2023·5 min read

Sobering Findings: Anxiety and Mood Disorders Linked to More Severe Alcohol Symptoms, Even at Same Levels of Drinking

People with anxiety and major depressive disorders experience more alcohol-related symptoms than those without, even at the same levels of drinking. This finding may explain why those with anxiety or mood disorders are at greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. The study highlights internalizing disorders as a previously unidentified marker of a specific alcohol-related harm paradox, indicating the need for modifying "safe" drinking recommendations for people with anxiety or mood disorders. The co-occurrence of these conditions may reflect shared neurobiological mechanisms, which raises the risk of developing the other in the future.

Featured Neurology Pain

·April 22, 2023·5 min read

Alcohol Fuels Pain: Study Reveals Link Between Drinking and Chronic Pain

Chronic alcohol consumption can increase sensitivity to pain through two molecular mechanisms. Researchers also identified potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-related chronic pain. Over half of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from persistent pain, including alcoholic neuropathy. The study found that alcohol withdrawal could result in neuropathy that was not reversed by re-exposure to alcohol.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 6, 2023·5 min read

How Heavy Alcohol Consumption Increases Brain Inflammation

The immune signaling molecule interleukin 1B (IL-1B) is present at higher levels in mouse models of alcohol use disorder. The IL 1B pathway plays a different role in animal models of AUD, causing inflammation in brain areas that play a critical role in decision-making.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 21, 2023·5 min read

Medication Targeting Brain Stress Response May Help Cardiovascular Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Prazosin, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of hypertension may help to prevent relapse in people with cardiovascular and behavioral symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 21, 2023·4 min read

Pill for Skin Disease Also Curbs Excessive Drinking

Apremilast, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of skin conditions including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area associated with regulating alcohol intake. Apremilast reduced drinking behaviors in mouse models with a genetic risk of alcohol use disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 7, 2023·5 min read

Differences in Dopamine Signals in Patients With History of Alcohol Use Disorder

The connection between dopamine and counterfactual information, or notions of relief and regret, is altered in those with alcohol use disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 31, 2023·4 min read

Mocktails or Cocktails? Having a Sense of Purpose in Life Can Keep Binge Drinking at Bay

Having a sense of purpose in life decreases alcohol consumption and binge drinking temptation in some social drinkers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 30, 2023·4 min read

Experimental Anti-depression Drug May Also Be Useful in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

MAP4343, an experimental antidepressant compound reversed alcohol intake in rat models of alcohol use disorder. The findings pave the way for utilizing the compound for the treatment of AUD in humans.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 21, 2023·5 min read

Close Relationships With Parents Promote Healthier Brain Development in High-Risk Teens, Buffering Against Alcohol Use Disorder

Close and supportive parental relationships can help mitigate the genetic and environmental risk of developing alcohol use disorder for at-risk teens.

This shows a young person drinking at the side of a road

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 19, 2023·4 min read

Heavy Drinking in Young Adults Tied to Endocannabinoid Pathway

Brain levels of FAAH, an enzyme that degrades a neurotransmitter that activates the cannabinoid 1 receptor, may contribute to the maintenance of excessive drinking and susceptibility to alcohol use disorder.