People who are most sensitive to the pleasurable and rewarding effects of alcohol are at greater risk of developing alcohol use disorders. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Alcoholic coolers that contain 10% alcohol and 25% high-fructose corn syrup increase the risk of problem drinking, a new study reports. Read More
A new study reveals the role microglia plays in alcohol addiction, finding the immune cells alter the geometry of gray matter while under the influence of alcohol. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Using a novel imaging technique, researchers produce a whole mouse brain atlas, which reveals how alcohol addiction, and abstinence, alter the functional architecture of the brain. Read More
Dysfunction in a brain pathway that usually keeps compulsive drinking in check may play a critical role in alcohol use disorder. Read More
Specific neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala regulate alcohol consumption. Read More
A single shot of ketamine administered to heavy drinkers following reactivation of their drinking memories led to a rapid decrease in the urge to drink. The effect lasted for over nine months. Read More
