Substance Abuse News

People who have three basic psychological needs met are more likely to have a healthy relationship with alcohol, according to new research from the University of Georgia. Across three different studies in the new publication, researchers found a sense of autonomy, competence and connection led participants to drink more responsibly. That meant drinking less, consuming alcohol more slowly and using a designated driver when drinking in public. People who said they weren’t fulfilled were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking to the point of blacking out or acting foolishly or impulsively. Learn more......

When we talk about binge drinking, it's often in the context of college-aged adults. However, one medical director says that while binge drinking is most common in adults aged 18-25, it is a concern for all ages. In fact, Dr. LaPietra explains, "Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men within a two-hour period." Factors such as height and weight can also have an impact on how alcohol affects you. Read more......

Researchers have shown they can detect cognitive decline related to heavy alcohol use even before clinical dementia symptoms appear. The study’s findings support the idea that alcohol use disorder is a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults and highlight an opportunity to intervene before cognitive decline escalates. The study adds to the considerable research linking alcohol use disorder to dementia, and specifically examines early cognitive decline, and whether alcohol use disorder is responsible for biological changes resulting in early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Read more......