ScienceDaily: Alcoholism News

Moderate drinking during pregnancy does not seem to harm baby's neurodevelopment, study suggests

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:27:27 EDT

Moderate drinking during pregnancy -- 3 to 7 glasses of alcohol a week -- does not seem to harm fetal neurodevelopment, as indicated by the child's ability to balance, suggests a large study. In the study, moderate alcohol intake was a marker for social advantage, which may itself be the key factor in better balance, possibly overriding subtle harmful effects of moderate alcohol use, say the authors.

Could novel drug target autism and fetal alcohol disorder?

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:18:18 EDT

A surprising new study reveals a common molecular vulnerability in autism and fetal alcohol disorder. Both have social impairment symptoms and originate during brain development. The study found male offspring of rat mothers given alcohol during pregnancy have social impairment and altered levels of autism-related genes found in humans. But the damage was reversed with a thyroid hormone given to the mothers during pregnancy.

Frequent binge drinking is associated with insomnia symptoms in older adults

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:30:30 EDT

A new study suggests that frequent binge drinking is associated with insomnia symptoms in older adults.

Designated drivers don't always abstain: One in three are impaired, study suggests

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:40:40 EDT

Maybe better call that cab, after all: A new study found that 35 percent of designated drivers had quaffed alcohol and most had blood-alcohol levels high enough to impair their driving.

Are children who take Ritalin for ADHD at greater risk of future drug abuse?

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:10:10 EDT

Children who take medication such as Ritalin and Adderall for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at no greater risk for later taking alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and cocaine than children with ADHD who do not take the medication, report psychologists who have conducted the most comprehensive assessment ever on this question.

More than one in five parents believe they have little influence in preventing teens from using illicit substances

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:35:35 EDT

A new report indicates that more than one in five parents of teens aged 12 to 17 (22.3 percent) think what they say has little influence on whether or not their child uses illicit substances, tobacco, or alcohol. This report by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also shows one in ten parents said they did not talk to their teens about the dangers of using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs -- even though 67.6 percent of these parents who had not spoken to their children thought they would influence whether their child uses drugs if they spoke to them.

Laws to lower alcohol limits mean lower fatalities says trauma expert

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:02:02 EDT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing that the legal limit for a driver’s blood-alcohol content be reduced from 0.08 to 0.05, but and that may not be far enough say experts.

Youth who have their first drink during puberty have higher levels of later drinking

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:37:37 EDT

The earlier the age at which youth take their first alcoholic drink, the greater the risk of later alcohol problems.

College women exceed NIAAA drinking guidelines more frequently than college men

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:37:37 EDT

In 1990, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism issued guidelines that define low-risk drinking, which differ for men and women. New research shows that female college student drinkers exceed NIAAA guidelines for weekly drinking more frequently than their male counterparts.

Individuals who drink heavily and smoke may show 'early aging' of the brain

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:34:34 EDT

Alcohol treatment interventions work best when patients understand and are actively involved in the process. A first-of-its-kind study looks at the interactive effects of smoking status and age on neurocognition in one-month-abstinent alcohol dependent (AD) individuals in treatment. Results show that AD individuals who currently smoke have more problems with memory, ability to think quickly and efficiently, and problem-solving skills than those who do not smoke, effects which seem to become greater with increasing age.

Would you ‘Like’ a drink? Youth drinking cultures, social networking and alcohol marketing

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:54:54 EDT

Preventing alcohol abuse, especially among young people, has long been a focus of public-health campaigns. But despite the well-publicized social and medical consequences of drinking too much it’s clear that for many, heavy drinking has become a normal part of life.

Parental addictions linked to adult children's depression

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:33:33 EDT

The offspring of parents who were addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to be depressed in adulthood, according to a new study. Investigators have examined the association between parental addictions and adult depression in a representative sample of 6,268 adults, drawn from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey.

All hospitals should require drug, alcohol tests for physicians, experts say

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:48:48 EDT

To improve patient safety, hospitals should randomly test physicians for drug and alcohol use in much the same way other major industries in the United States do to protect their customers.

Women who drink before pregnancy less likely to take multivitamins

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:11:11 EDT

Researchers have found a link between multivitamin use and alcohol consumption before pregnancy, uncovering a need for education about the importance of vitamin supplementation, particularly among women who drink alcohol during their childbearing years.

Thanks to rare alpine bacteria, researchers identify one of alcohol's key gateways to the brain

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

Thanks to a rare bacteria that grows only on rocks in the Swiss Alps, researchers have been the first to identify how alcohol might affect key brain proteins.

Early dialogue between parents, children stems teen smoking

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Early, substantive dialogue between parents and their grade-school age children about the ills of tobacco and alcohol use can be more powerful in shaping teen behavior than advertising, marketing or peer pressure, a researcher has shown.

Study reveals alcohol industry tactics to influence alcohol policy reform in Scotland

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:27 EDT

The alcohol industry misrepresented international evidence on effective alcohol control measures in an attempt to influence the Scottish Government's public health policy to its advantage, according to new research.

Binge drinking in college can lead to heart disease later in life

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:19:19 EDT

Frequent binge drinking in college can cause more than a hangover. Regularly consuming multiple drinks in a short window of time can cause immediate changes in circulation that increase an otherwise healthy young adult's risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, according to new research.

Light drinking in pregnancy not linked to development problems in childhood, study suggests

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:47:47 EDT

Light drinking during pregnancy is not linked to adverse behavioural or cognitive outcomes in childhood, suggests a new study. This study collated data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a national study of infants born in the UK between 2000-2002, to assess whether light drinking (up to two units of alcohol per week) in pregnancy was linked to unfavourable developmental outcomes in 7-year-old children.

Aerobic exercise may protect cognitive abilities of heavy drinkers

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Aerobic exercise may help prevent and perhaps even reverse some of the brain damage associated with heavy alcohol consumption, according to a new study.

Parents can help their children avoid alcohol pitfalls during transition from high school to college

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT

The transition from high school to college is a particularly vulnerable time for alcohol experimentation. A new study looks at which student characteristics may enhance parent-based interventions. Results indicate that teens who perceive their friends as more approving of alcohol consumption also seem to be more influenced by communication with their parents about drinking.

Taste of beer, without effect from alcohol, triggers dopamine release in the brain

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:47:47 EDT

The taste of beer, without any effect from alcohol itself, can trigger dopamine release in the brain, which is associated with drinking, and other drugs of abuse.

Older people may be at greater risk for alcohol impairment than teens

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:29:29 EDT

An acute dose of alcohol may cause greater impairment in coordination, learning and memory in the elderly than in young people, according to a new study. Researchers said the findings have profound significance for older people -- a population that is aging worldwide at an unprecedented rate and that includes Baby Boomers as they become seniors.

Regulating density of alcohol outlets a promising strategy to improve public health

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Despite potential, many public health agencies unaware of how to use regulation of alcohol density to address excessive drinking.

New treatment option for alcohol dependence: Reduced consumption rather than abstinence

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:56:56 EDT

A potential new treatment for alcoholism called nalmefene is effective and safe for reducing alcohol consumption in alcohol dependent individuals, says a new study. Traditionally, abstinence has been regarded as the primary treatment goal for alcohol dependence, and current pharmacological treatments for alcoholism are approved only for relapse prevention. However, relapse rates remain high and a goal of abstinence is unacceptable to many patients.

Alcohol use, anxiety predict Facebook use by college students

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:13:13 EDT

Anxiety and alcohol use significantly predict emotional connectedness to Facebook, a new study suggests. According to one of the researchers, alcohol use is generally viewed as normative, or socially acceptable, among college students, so increased alcohol use may cause an increase in emotional connectedness to Facebook. Researchers also found that marijuana use predicted the opposite: a lack of emotional connectedness with Facebook.

Hangover remedy examined: Yak-a-mein soup, a.k.a., ‘Old Sober’

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:58:58 EDT

One of the Crescent City's time-honored traditions -- a steaming bowl of Yak-a-mein Soup, a.k.a., “Old Sober” -- after a night of partying in the French Quarter actually does have a basis in scientific fact, according to new research.

Children of deployed parents at higher risk for alcohol, drug use

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

A statewide survey of sixth-, eighth-, and 11th-grade Iowa students found that children of deployed or recently returned military parents had an increased risk for alcohol use, binge drinking, and using marijuana, compared to children in non-military families. The study also found that when parental deployment resulted in a child not living with a parent or relative, the risk of binge drinking and marijuana use was even higher.

Teens' struggles with peers forecast long-term adult relationships

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:02:02 EDT

Teens' struggles to connect with their peers in early adolescence while not succumbing to negative peer influences predict their capacity to form strong friendships and avoid serious problems. In a longitudinal study, researchers followed 150 teens over a 10-year period to learn about the lasting effects of peer struggles in early adolescence. They found establishing social competence in early adolescence involves negotiating conflicting goals between peer acceptance and autonomy with regard to negative peer influences.

People with depression may not reap full benefits of physical activity or light alcohol consumption, study suggests

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:17:17 EDT

Depression may inhibit the anti-inflammatory effects typically associated with physical activity and light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, according to researchers.

Research provides clues to alcohol addiction vulnerability

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:38:38 EDT

A team studying alcohol addiction has new research that might shed light on why some drinkers are more susceptible to addiction than others.

Brain-mapping increases understanding of alcohol's effects on first-year college students

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:43:43 EDT

Scientists have completed a first-of-its-kind longitudinal pilot study aimed at better understanding how the neural processes that underlie responses to alcohol-related cues change during students' first year of college.

Pre-college talk between parents and teens likely to lessen college drinking

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:43:43 EDT

Teen-age college students are significantly more likely to abstain from drinking or to drink only minimally when their parents talk to them before they start college, using suggestions in a parent handbook.

Study shows rising rate of propofol abuse by health care professionals

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:12:12 EDT

Abuse of the anesthesia drug propofol is a "rapidly progressive form of substance dependence" that is being more commonly seen among health care professionals, a new study reports.

Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:46:46 EDT

Low and moderate drinkers of alcohol reported lower severity of symptoms of fibromyalgia than teetotallers, finds a study. Too much alcohol reversed this effect. The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is thought to affect one in 20 people worldwide but there is no known cause or cure. It often goes hand in hand with fatigue and sleep problems, headaches, depression and irritable bowel and bladder problems. Treatment is based around pain management and lifestyle changes.

Using hansfree kit or sending texts behind the wheel is as dangerous as being twice over legal alcohol limit, study suggests

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:33:33 EDT

Scientists have compared the effects of mobile phone use while driving with the effects of alcohol using a simulation. Their experiment demonstrates that using a handsfree kit or sending text messages is the same as being above the legal alcohol limit.

Why Irish people feel they have no alternative but to celebrate St Patrick's Day

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Research into why Irish people feel they have no alternative but to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

Parents, religion guard against college drinking

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:09:09 EST

Religious college students report less alcohol use than their classmates -- and the reason may have to do with how their parents handle stress, according to new research.

Unhealthy drinking widespread around the world

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EST

A new study shows that alcohol is now the third leading cause of the global burden of disease and injury, despite the fact most adults worldwide abstain from drinking.

New study shows cannabis effects on driving skills

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:22:22 EST

Cannabis is second only to alcohol for causing impaired driving and motor vehicle accidents. In 2009, 12.8% of young adults reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs and in the 2007 National Roadside Survey, more drivers tested positive for drugs than for alcohol. These cannabis smokers had a 10-fold increase in car crash injury compared with infrequent or nonusers after adjustment for blood alcohol concentration.

British children more exposed to alcohol promotion than adults, experts warn

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:46:46 EST

Children in Britain are more exposed to alcohol promotion than adults and need much stronger protection, warn experts.

Just a drop? Alcohol consumption much higher than reported in England

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:39:39 EST

Alcohol consumption could be much higher than previously thought, with more than three quarters of people in England drinking in excess of the recommended daily alcohol limit, according to a new article.

Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 EST

New research suggests that exposure to diverse types of traumatic events among protective services workers is a risk factor for new onset of psychopathology and alcohol use disorders.

Pain can be a relief

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 EST

When something causes less pain than expected it is even possible for it to feel pleasant, a new study reveals. These findings may one day play a key role in treating pain and substance abuse.

Signaling pathway linked to fetal alcohol risk: Molecular switch promises new targets for diagnosis and therapy

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:07:07 EST

Scientists have identified a molecular signaling pathway that plays an important role in the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Cure for common hangover? 'Pill' mimics action of human liver in fighting alcohol intoxication

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:43:43 EST

In a discovery that could promise a quick fix to the common hangover, a team of engineers has identified a method for speeding up the body's reaction to the consumption of alcohol.

12th grade dropouts have higher rates of cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use, U.S. study finds

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:15:15 EST

Youth in the 12th grade age range (ages 16 to 18) who have dropped out of school prior to graduating are more likely than their counterparts to be current users of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and other illicit drugs, according to a new U.S. report.

By guessing, clinicians may miss 3/4 of alcohol problems

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:24:24 EST

Brief alcohol screening questions far outperform clinician intuition in identifying people with alcohol problems, a new study shows.

Alcohol consumption may be in response to smoking cessation

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:07:07 EST

New findings may help identify situations in which smokers who are trying to quit are at a higher risk of relapse.

Alcohol abusers' depression often related to drinking

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:54:54 EST

For problem drinkers, bouts of depressive symptoms are often the direct result of their heavy alcohol intake, according to a new study.

Drinking may improve ability to detect changes

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:20:20 EST

Moderate intoxication may help a person notice minor changes in a visual scene, researchers have found.

Underage youth drinking concentrated among small number of brands

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:47:47 EST

First national survey examining brand preferences among underage youth.

Drop in alcohol-related deaths by nearly a third follows minimum alcohol price increase of 10 percent

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:20:20 EST

A new study shows that, between 2002 and 2009, the percentage of deaths caused by alcohol in British Columbia, Canada dropped more than expected when minimum alcohol price was increased, while alcohol-related deaths increased when more private alcohol stores were opened. The paper has significant implications for international alcohol policy.

Lower drinking ages lead to more binge drinking, study of U.S. states finds

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:23:23 EST

People who grew up in U.S. states where it was legal to drink alcohol before the age of 21 are more likely to be binge drinkers later in life. Researchers found that people who lived in states with lower minimum drinking ages weren't more likely to consume more alcohol overall, but when they did drink, they were more likely to drink heavily.

Native Americans at greater risk of suicide after alcohol intoxication

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:37:37 EST

Native Americans are at much greater risk of suicide after acute alcohol intoxication, according to a new study.

Alcohol mixed with diet drinks may increase intoxication more than alcohol and regular drinks

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:25:25 EST

A person's breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) after drinking is influenced by factors such as food. New findings show that mixing alcohol with a diet soft drink can result in a higher BrAC than mixing alcohol with a regular or sugar-sweetened drink. Individuals were unaware of these differences, which may pose safety risks such as drinking and driving.

Childhood emotional abuse dramatically strong among male alcohol-dependent individuals

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:25:25 EST

Alcohol dependent (AD) individuals have reduced central serotonergic neurotransmission. Childhood maltreatment can also have a negative impact on central serotonergic neurotransmission. A new study has found that self-reported childhood emotional abuse is associated with a 90-percent reduction in central serotonergic neurotransmission in male AD individuals.

Both heavy and incompatible drinking can increase the chances of divorce

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:25:25 EST

High levels of drinking have repeatedly been shown to predict divorce. A Norwegian study has examined the impact of both level of drinking and compatibility of drinking on divorce. Results indicate that: one, the more people drink, the higher the risk of divorce; and two, risk of divorce is lowered if the spouses drink approximately the same amount of alcohol.

Around 1 in 10 young mentally ill teens drinks, smokes, and uses cannabis, Australian research finds

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:45:45 EST

Around one in ten young teens with mental health issues also drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, and uses cannabis on a weekly basis, indicates Australian research.

If you are impulsive, take modafinil and count to ten, research suggests

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:01:01 EST

Poor impulse control contributes to one's inability to control the consumption of rewarding substances, like food, alcohol, and other drugs. This can lead to the development of addiction. FDA-approved medications for alcoholism, like naltrexone (Revia) and disulfiram (Antabuse), are thought to reduce alcohol consumption by curbing cravings and creating unpleasant reactions to alcohol, effects which reduce the desire to drink alcohol.