alcoholism

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Gender impacts brain activity in alcohol use disorder

Men with alcohol use disorder have diminished brain activity in areas associated with emotional processing, memory and social processing, compared to women with AUD. The findings may lead to gender-specific treatments to help relieve addition to alcohol. Read More

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Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings

Optogenetic inactivation of CRF neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala decreases escalation of alcohol consumption and intensity of withdrawal in rodent models of alcoholism. The findings suggest a potential target for treating excessive drinking in alcohol use disorder. Read More

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Ketamine and Naltrexone Combo Shows Promise for Depression and Addiction Treatments

A new study reveals the combination of ketamine with naltrexone can help treat symptoms of both depression and addiction. Read More

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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. Read More

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Binge Drinking During Adolescence Impairs Working Memory: Mouse Study

Researchers say teens who start drinking prior to age 15 and who also binge drink are more likely to have memory problems as adults. Additionally, early binge drinking may indicate later risk for developing alcoholism. Read More

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A Single Binge Drinking Episode Affects Gene that Regulates Sleep

Researchers report a single instance of binge drinking could alter a gene associated with sleep regulation. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

Study reveals genes associated with heavy drinking and alcoholism

18 genetic variants have been identified which appear to be associated with alcohol use disorder and heavy drinking. Of these genes, five were overlapped, eight were associated with heavy consumption and five were linked to an increased risk of AUD. The study concluded that while heavy drinking is a risk factor for alcoholism, it is not a sufficient cause of the disorder. Read More

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NIH Study of Brain Energy Patterns Provides New Insights into Alcohol Effects

Neuroimaging research from NIH/NIAAA provides a new method to characterize how brain activity relates to glucose consumption, which could help us understand how alcohol and other substances and activities affect our brains. Read More

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GABA Cells Help Fight Alcoholism

Researchers have identified how alcohol influences dopaminergic and inhibitory neurons in the ventral tegmental area. The findings could help develop new treatments for alcohol dependence. Read More

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‘Compulsivity Circuit’ in Heavy Drinkers Identified

Researchers identify a driving network for compulsivity in those with alcohol use disorders. The study reports heavy drinkers have more activity in the prefronal cortex, insular and striatum, areas of the brain critical for reward and decision making. Read More