Using shame to try and convince an alcoholic to stop drinking may be counter-productive, new research suggests. The study has found that shame-related behaviors are linked to a higher rate of relapse and more severe lapses. Feeling shame about past instances of problem drinking may increase the likelihood of relapse and other health problems, according… [Continue Reading]
Exercise Can Help Restore Bone Health After Alcoholism
September 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Alcoholism causes a loss of bone density over time, which leads to an increase risk of bone fractures. A new study reports, however, that after quitting drinking, exercise can help restore bone health and rebuild bone strength. Abstinence from alcohol plus physical exercise can help reclaim bone loss due to alcoholism Alcoholism is known to… [Continue Reading]
Alcohol Abuse Changes the Way Brain Responds to Stress and Trauma
September 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new study shows that alcoholism may permanently change the structure of the brain, making it more difficult to cope with trauma and stress. The researchers involved studied a mouse model of alcoholism, and report that their work suggests there may be more effective ways to treat human patients who suffer from addiction and post-traumatic… [Continue Reading]
Alcohol Addiction Linked to Genetic Variation
June 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Alcohol addiction has been linked to a certain type of genetic variation, in which certain genes are duplicated. These differences between individuals are called copy number variations. A new study has found that variation in the number of genes of a certain region of the genome is linked to alcoholism, bringing new biological insights on… [Continue Reading]
Changes in Brain Activity Correlate With Heavy Drinking
February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Studies of brain activity in young people that drink heavily have revealed a number of worrying differences, according to a new study. Scientists imaging the activation of different brain centers have found that areas that are activated when a risk is present have reduced activity in heavy drinkers, suggesting they may not perceive the risks… [Continue Reading]
Response to Alcohol Runs in Families and May Influence Addiction
May 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The tendency to abuse alcohol runs in families, and a new study is helping scientists understand why. The research shows that people with a family member with alcohol abuse issues have a more positive view of, and more positive experiences with alcohol. This suggests that the body’s reaction to alcohol might be different between families… [Continue Reading]
Drug Helps Treat Alcohol Addiction in Individuals with a Certain Genetic Profile
January 23, 2011 By 1 Comment
Serotonin is a signaling molecule in the brain that regulates many functions, including rewarding behaviors. A mutation in the receptor that senses serotonin signals is linked to alcoholism. A new clinical study demonstrates that individuals addicted to alcohol treated with a drug that modulates serotonin signaling can improve the chances of recovery. For the first… [Continue Reading]
Alcoholism and Obesity May Share Common Risk Factors
January 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A new research study suggests that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to be obese. Scientists say that the association between the two conditions is stronger than a decade ago, indicating environmental factors affect the predisposition to become obese. Some researchers hypothesize that people prone to addiction may have trouble resisting… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Discovered Gene Associated With Alcoholism
October 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have discovered a gene variant that may protect against alcoholism. The variant, in a gene called CYP2E1, is associated with a person’s response to alcohol. For the ten to twenty percent of people that possess this variant, those first few drinks leave them feeling more inebriated than the rest of the human population, who… [Continue Reading]
Why Are Men More Susceptible To Alcoholism?
October 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances, and men are up to twice as likely to develop alcoholism as women. Until now, the underlying biology contributing to this difference in vulnerability has remained unclear. A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that dopamine may be an important factor. Researchers from Columbia and… [Continue Reading]