Why drinking alcohol causes the munchies
A shared brain network may explain why high alcohol consumption and junk food cravings go hand in hand.... Read More...
alcohol
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.... Read More...
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.... Read More...
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. ... Read More...
Child and adolescent anxiety could be linked to later alcohol problems
Study finds some evidence of a positive link between early life anxiety and later alcohol use disorder. However, there was no consistent link between anxiety in childhood and drinking frequency or binge drinking.... Read More...
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.... Read More...
Smoking and Alcohol: Double Trouble for the Brain
A new study reports those with alcohol addiction who also smoke may be at an increased risk of neural damage. The study revealed higher levels of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and a a decrease in neurotrophic factor in the striatum and frontal cortex in rats exposed to both alcohol and tobacco.... Read More...
Finding the Elusive Drinking ‘Brake’
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the BNST that senses the negative effects of alcohol and modulates the urge to drink. The study reports that when this mechanism doesn't function correctly, we lose the ability to recognize that we have had enough to drink. ... Read More...
Heavy Drinking in Teens Causes Lasting Changes in Emotional Center of Brain
A new study reports teenage binge drinking can result in lasting epigenetic changes that alter the expression of BDNF-AS, a protein vital for the formation of neural connection in the amygdala.... Read More...
Hundreds of Genes Affecting Tobacco and Alcohol Use Identified
Researchers have identified over 500 genetic variants which affect the use of, and addiction to, alcohol and tobacco. ... Read More...
Pain and Substance Abuse Interact in a Vicious Cycle
Being in pain and taking illicit substances can lead to a vicious cycle that ultimately worsens and maintains both addiction and pain. ... Read More...
How ‘Dry January’ is the Secret to Better Sleep and Losing Weight
Researchers say those who refrain from drinking alcohol during 'Dry January' experience better sleep quality, lose more weight and have more energy than those who don't participate.... Read More...