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AUD

This shows a woman with glasses of wine and a plate of food.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·September 18, 2023·5 min read

Genetic Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcohol Use Discovered

A comprehensive study of adolescent twins unveils a genetic nexus between disordered eating and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). This correlation underscores worse outcomes, including fatality, especially when these conditions manifest simultaneously in younger teens.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 17, 2023·5 min read

Neuronal Plasticity Genes Linked to Alcohol Use Disorders

A new study discovered a link between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and alteration of a group of genes known to influence neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions. The team used three distinct animal models to identify the genes responsible for drinking behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 19, 2023·8 min read

Alcohol Use Disorder: More Alcohol, More Impairment, Regardless of Drinking Habits

Researchers reveal the idea of "holding one's liquor" is complex, particularly among heavy drinkers. The study shows that while individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) display less impairment after consuming a standard intoxicating dose, they exhibit significantly more impairment when the consumption aligns with their usual heavier drinking habits.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 15, 2023·3 min read

Heavy Drinkers Misjudge Impairment Levels: A Risky Perception

Heavy drinkers' belief that they can 'hold their liquor' better than light drinkers has been challenged by a new study, revealing that this perceived tolerance may lead to risky decisions. The research showed that after consuming equivalent amounts of alcohol, heavy drinkers felt less impaired than their lighter-drinking counterparts.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 12, 2023·6 min read

Alcohol in Excess Hastens Alzheimer’s Progression

Repeated alcohol intoxication can speed up Alzheimer’s disease progression associated with a genetic predisposition. The research demonstrated that mice exposed to consistent alcohol intoxication showed cognitive decline about two months earlier than typically expected.

This shows a sad man and a whiskey bottle.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 8, 2023·5 min read

Ozempic Shows Potential as Treatment for Alcohol Dependence

Semaglutide, or Ozempic, a medication used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may also be effective in treating alcohol dependence. The drug reduced alcohol relapse drinking and overall alcohol intake in rats by more than half.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 30, 2023·5 min read

Unlocking Addiction Risk: Genetic Test Could Shape Future Prevention Strategies

A new study hints at the potential of utilizing genetic test results to improve addiction prevention and treatment strategies. The study involved 325 college students who were given varying levels of information regarding alcohol use disorder and the role of genetics in addiction risk.

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 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.