Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Thursday, October 22, 2009

News Release - STUDIES IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OF UNDERLYING BRAIN CHANGES CAUSED BY ADDICTION
Research into specific cells and circuitry affected by addiction may help guard against relapse

CHICAGO — New research using animal models is enabling a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of compulsive drug addiction in humans— knowledge that may lead to more effective treatment options to weaken the powerful cravings that cause people to relapse. The findings were released today at Neuroscience 2009, the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Drug addiction is known to change the structure and function of the brain, affecting a person’s self control and decision-making ability. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s latest survey, 23.6 million persons aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem in 2006. These new studies have identified brain mechanisms that help explain how addictions form, as well as the cognitive problems associated with them. Additional research findings discussed could also offer hope against addiction relapses. . . . . . .

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