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alcohol use disorder

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

·February 4, 2021·3 min read

Neural Roots and Origins of Alcoholism Identified

Researchers have identified a pathway in the brain responsible for the development of alcohol addiction.

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

·October 13, 2020·4 min read

Effects of Low-Level Lead Exposure and Alcohol Consumption Examined

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 10, 2020·5 min read

Binge-Drinkers’ Brains Have to Work Harder to Feel Empathy for Others

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 9, 2020·4 min read

Vitamin B1 Deficiency a Key Factor in the Development of Alcohol-Related Dementia

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.

This is a cartoon drawing of someone handing another person a bottle of wine

Featured Psychology

·August 22, 2020·5 min read

Your In-Laws’ History of Drinking Problems Could Lead to Alcohol Issues of Your Own

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 4, 2020·4 min read

New alcohol genes uncovered

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 2, 2020·3 min read

Estrogen’s role in the sex differences of alcohol abuse

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 25, 2020·2 min read

Problems with alcohol? 29 gene variants may explain why

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 11, 2020·3 min read

“Women my age tend to drink, it’s normal”

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.