Addiction Research
Article Says Genetics May Be 60 Percent of the Factors Toward Alcohol Abuse
Of all types of global disease, alcoholism is a leading killer, taking the lives of more than 2.5 million individuals annually. In the U.S., it’s a leading factor in deaths of people in the 15 to 60 year old age group, and annual levels consumed by people in the U.S. are up to ten liters of pure alcohol, on average. Full Story
Examining the Connection Between Family History And Initiation of Use
There are many factors that contribute to the development of a substance use disorder. Both environmental and biological risk factors are in play in every case, and each individual has a unique group of risk factors that lead to the likelihood of the development of a substance use disorder. Full Story
Five Minutes of Screening Could Help Patients Who Misuse Alcohol
Government statistics tell us that around 30 percent of American adults misuse alcohol. Alcohol misuse takes a toll on physical health, family finances, inter-personal relationships and work productivity. Misuse of alcohol makes it one of the foremost causes of unnecessary and preventable deaths in this country. A national task force on alcohol abuse prevention suggests that doctors could help lower those statistics by taking a few extra minutes to screen patients for alcohol misuse during regular visits. Full Story
Could Drinking in Moderation Increase Your Risk of Cancer
We are probably all familiar with the dangers of excess drinking. But moderate drinking is very socially accepted. What the judicious drinker might not realize, though, is that the habit could elevate the risk for certain types of cancer. Full Story
Alcohol Consumption and Stroke Risk
Alcoholics risk alienating their family, losing their job, and damaging their health. Now researchers from the University of Lille Nord de France have found evidence that heavy drinkers also risk having a stroke at a younger age than most people.
Alcohol Consumption Could Increase Risk for Certain Types of Cancer
Many are aware of the laundry list of health risks that go alone with heavy alcohol consumption. What they may not be aware of is the fact that cancer is also on that list. Alcohol can lead to accidents which cause injury as well as long-lasting health problems. Weight gain is a common problem, as is a rise in blood pressure, the potential for birth defects, liver damage and the potential for alcohol addiction. It has been known for some time that alcohol is linked to cancer, but new research shows how the breakdown of alcohol in the body, may actually produce a deadly carcinogen. Full Story
Is Addiction in your Genes?
Why do some people struggle with things like nicotine or gambling, while others can do it casually with no problem? Could certain people be more inclined to addiction? A German study seems to show that certain people may be more susceptible to addiction. Full Story
Addiction and your Genes
Most professionals in medicine, psychiatry, psychology, and medical research agree that addiction is a disease. Some compare it to a physical illness, while others believe that addiction is a neurological disorder. Addiction shares many similarities with chronic illnesses: the onset is often influenced by environmental factors, the disease responds to treatment and lifestyle changes, and it causes biological changes, such as to the neural pathways of the brain. Perhaps most importantly, as with other diseases, chronic conditions, and neurological disorders, addiction has a genetic basis.
Perfectionism Linked to Drug Addiction
The person with never a strand of hair out of place, whose car is forever immaculate and whose home looks like a model showcase may seem like the furthest thing from a candidate for addiction, but a perfectionistic drive can actually be at the root of addiction. Full Story
You Are More Likely to Abuse Drugs Based on Your Personality
Scientists believe they can predict who and what drugs a person is likely to use and it all has to do with your personality type. That explains why writers drink and musicians shoot heroin, right? According to a recent article, that’s not necessarily the case. Full Story
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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.
