Addiction Research
Genetics May Play a Role in Addiction, but Genes Don’t Make Addiction Certain
Just because a person’s father or mother was addicted to alcohol doesn’t mean that person or their children will be.
While research focused on the genetic factors involved in addiction points to connections between the ways addiction can travel through families, experts also remind people that this isn’t an affirmation that they’ll have a substance abuse problem, nor anyone else in their family. Full Story
Family History of Alcoholism Changes the Way the Brain Determines Risks
Teenagers with family histories of alcoholism respond differently during risk-taking task than those with no such histories, according to a new study from the Oregon Health and Science University. These physical differences, which show up on brain scans, may partly explain why some individuals are predisposed to alcoholism. Full Story
New Study Reveals Drug Abuse Among Baby Boomers
The current aging generation of baby boomers should be at almost one in every five North Carolinians by the year 2030. There is growing concern about this generation of people using combinations of alcohol and drugs in increasing amounts. The effects of this combination are still being studied but experience and science already shows the combination can be deadly. Full Story
Adolescents May Drink More Because of Media Habits
Researchers from Sweden and colleagues from the United Kingdom are closely looking at the connection between the media practices of adolescents and their consumption of alcohol. According to an article in Science Daily, a professor of practical philosophy, Christian Munthe, says there appears to be a strong link between adolescents who watch Tv shows involving alcohol and an increased level of drinking. Full Story
Working Long Hours Puts Young People at Risk for Alcohol-Related Problems
Young people who work more than 50 hours a week have more than double the risk for alcohol-related problems than the unemployed, according to a new study from New Zealand.
Study Explores Why People Respond Differently to Environmental Drug Cues
A new study has found that differences in people’s responses to environmental cues can change chemical responses in the brain. This finding could help researchers develop new treatments for substance abuse, compulsive gambling, sexual addiction, and other compulsive behaviors.
Commonly Prescribed Medication for ADHD Poses Addiction, Abuse Risk
Commonly known by brand names Ritalin or Concerta, the drug methylphenidate remains the most typically-used medication for treating ADHD, leading to a global perception that the drug is benign. However, experts warn that it has similar effects as cocaine if taken in large amounts, and the drug remains a controlled substance due to its high potential for addiction, especially among younger adults.
Symptoms of ADHD May Prompt Higher Rates of Substance Abuse
For some people living with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), the challenges of trying to complete a task or focus on a project can be overwhelming. Many find that the stress can be lessened with certain substances, ranging from caffeine to tobacco; to prescription pain medications and sugar.
Studying Compulsivity in the Brain Can Lead to Better Treatments
No one likes to admit they are impulsive, but many people are and it can impact their ability to change their behavior. When that individual has certain challenges, such as ADHD or drug addiction, the degree to which impulsivity plays a part can affect treatment.
Father’s Prison Stay Associated with Child’s Drug Use
Young people who begin using marijuana in adolescence often stop using the drug by their early adulthood. However, early initiation can introduce an individual to other unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol use and the use of other illegal drugs. It is important to understand the risk factors for a teen vulnerable to trying marijuana in order to produce effective education and prevention programs.
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The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One
A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.
