Tag

Alcohol Use Disorder

All articles tagged with #alcohol use disorder

Tirzepatide reduces alcohol reward in rodent study, hinting at AUD therapy
science3 days ago

Tirzepatide reduces alcohol reward in rodent study, hinting at AUD therapy

Rodents treated with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) drank more than half as much alcohol as controls, showed fewer relapse-like drinking episodes, and exhibited reduced alcohol-induced dopamine spikes in the brain’s reward center, the lateral septum. The drug also altered histone-related proteins, suggesting possible long-term neural changes. While promising, human trials are needed to confirm efficacy for alcohol use disorder, though tirzepatide’s established safety profile could speed future research.

Old AUD Medications Remain Underused as GLP-1 Buzz Grows
health5 days ago

Old AUD Medications Remain Underused as GLP-1 Buzz Grows

Three FDA-approved meds (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram) can treat alcohol use disorder but are widely underused due to stigma, limited clinician training, and marketing gaps, with only a fraction of diagnosed patients receiving them; meanwhile GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs (like Ozempic) are being studied for reducing drinking, but evidence is not yet conclusive, underscoring the need to treat alcohol use disorder like other chronic diseases by improving access and awareness.

GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs Offer Hope in Addiction Recovery Pilot
health12 days ago

GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs Offer Hope in Addiction Recovery Pilot

A Rhode Island nonprofit’s Open Doors pilot is giving free weekly GLP-1 injections (semaglutide–based) to women in addiction recovery, with participants reporting reduced cravings, steadier thinking, and improved life stability. While some studies hint GLP-1s dampen the rewarding effects of drugs and alcohol, the medications are not FDA-approved for addiction and funding for the pilot runs for 18 months, raising questions about long-term access. Experts urge cautious optimism, noting risks if treatment is stopped and that this is not a universal cure.

GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs Show Promise in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
health1 year ago

GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs Show Promise in Reducing Alcohol Consumption

GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic, initially used for weight loss, are showing potential in reducing cravings for alcohol and other substances. Studies indicate that these drugs may lower the risk of alcohol use disorder and reduce nicotine and opioid overuse by influencing dopamine pathways in the brain. While not yet approved for treating substance use disorders, these drugs could revolutionize addiction treatment if further research supports their efficacy. Experts are hopeful that GLP-1 drugs could become a major tool in addiction therapy, similar to how SSRIs transformed depression treatment.

"Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Use Disorder"
health1 year ago

"Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Use Disorder"

A study by Case Western Reserve University found that diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, which contain semaglutide, significantly reduce the risk and recurrence of alcohol-use disorder by 50%-56%. This discovery suggests a potential new treatment for AUD, though further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Vermont Ranks Among Highest in Nation for Binge Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder
health1 year ago

Vermont Ranks Among Highest in Nation for Binge Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder

Vermont is facing a high rate of alcohol use disorder, with the state ranking second in the nation for this issue. The pandemic has led to an increase in alcohol misuse among older adults, with addiction recovery centers reporting a growing number of elderly individuals seeking help for alcohol dependency. Despite the prevalence of alcohol-related health problems, the cultural acceptance of alcohol makes it difficult for people to admit they have a problem and seek help. This issue has received less attention compared to the opioid epidemic, despite consistently affecting more people.

"Neuroscience Approach to Reducing Problem Alcohol Use: Targeting Stress Neurons"
neuroscience1 year ago

"Neuroscience Approach to Reducing Problem Alcohol Use: Targeting Stress Neurons"

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting stress-related neurons may reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), without affecting trauma-related anxiety. The study highlights the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) producing neurons in the central amygdala in regulating alcohol use in response to stress. This research opens up new possibilities for treating individuals with comorbid PTSD and AUD by potentially targeting specific neural pathways involved in stress-induced drinking behaviors.

"Uncovering Surprising Interactions: Ketone Supplements and Alcohol"
health-and-science2 years ago

"Uncovering Surprising Interactions: Ketone Supplements and Alcohol"

A new study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that ketone supplements could significantly impact alcohol consumption and cravings. The research found that ketone supplements not only reduced breath and blood alcohol concentrations but also diminished the subjective appeal of alcohol. The study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, involved both human and rodent trials and revealed that the ketone supplement led to significant reductions in alcohol levels and altered subjective responses to alcohol. The findings may have implications for developing ketone therapy for individuals with alcohol use disorder and suggest that ketone drinks could aid in sober drinking cultures.