Alcoholic Research Articles

The Roles of Endogenous D2R Dopamine and μ-opioid Receptors of the Brain in Alcohol use Disorder.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a strong physiological and psychological craving to consume large amounts of alcohol despite adverse consequences. Alcohol use disorder carries a large health and economic burden on society. Despite its prevalence, AUD is still severely undertreated. The precise molecular mechanisms of how alcohol addiction forms are yet unknown. However, previous studies on animal models show that along with the μ-opioid receptors, the D2R dopamine receptors may also be involved in alcohol craving and reward pathways. Currently, there is a limited number of treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder, which include several medications and therapy. By understanding the limitations of current treatment options and exploring new potential targets, it could be possible to find more effective ways of treating AUD in the future.

Recovery capital profiles among a heterogeneous sample of individuals in recovery from alcohol problems.

Recovery capital (RC) is a framework for conceptualizing the resources individuals use to support alcohol and other drug recovery across social, physical, human, and cultural domains. The goal of this study was to identify subgroups of individuals in recovery with distinct combinations of RC across domains and characteristics of individuals with unique RC patterns. Latent profile analyses investigated patterns in both within-domain amount and variability of RC across each of the four domains using the Multidimensional Inventory of Recovery Capital, a theoretically and psychometrically sound RC measure. The sample included U.S. participants closely reflecting 2020 Census demographics (n = 482, 49% female, 38% racial/ethnic minority, Mage = 42.57) identifying as having resolved a prior problem with alcohol (alone or with other drugs). Latent profile analyses distinguished four RC profiles: Low/Inconsistent (23%), Moderate/Consistent (43%), Moderate/Inconsistent (12%), and High/Consistent (22%). Females and individuals who were unemployed, nonabstinent, and had greater alcohol problem severity were more likely to belong to the Low/Inconsistent profile. Individuals in unassisted recovery were more likely to belong to the Moderate/Inconsistent profile. Older age and more time in recovery were associated with High/Consistent profile membership. Race/ethnicity was not associated with profile membership. These person-oriented analyses elucidate complex patterns of resources that individuals utilize during recovery and individual characteristics underpinning differences across RC patterns. The empirically derived subgroups in this heterogeneous sample highlight multiple combinations of resources that individuals leverage to achieve recovery and indicate characteristics of individuals who may need greater amounts and/or consistency of RC to continue sustaining recovery. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Resting-State Functional Connectivity Predicts Attention Problems in Children: Evidence from the ABCD Study.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and numerous functional and structural differences have been identified in the brains of individuals with ADHD compared to controls. This study uses data from the baseline sample of the large, epidemiologically informed Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study of children aged 9-10 years old (N = 7979). Cross-validated Poisson elastic net regression models were used to predict a dimensional measure of ADHD symptomatology from within- and between-network resting-state correlations and several known risk factors, such as biological sex, socioeconomic status, and parental history of problematic alcohol and drug use. We found parental history of drug use and biological sex to be the most important predictors of attention problems. The connection between the default mode network and the dorsal attention network was the only brain network identified as important for predicting attention problems. Specifically, we found that reduced magnitudes of the anticorrelation between the default mode and dorsal attention networks relate to increased attention problems in children. Our findings complement and extend recent studies that have connected individual differences in structural and task-based fMRI to ADHD symptomatology and individual differences in resting-state fMRI to ADHD diagnoses.

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a promotes alcohol-associated liver disease in mice via regulating endoplasmic reticulum autophagy.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a hepatocyte dysfunction disease caused by chronic or excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to extensive hepatocyte necrosis and even liver failure. Currently, the pathogenesis of ALD and the anti-ALD mechanisms have not been fully elucidated yet. In this study, we investigated the effects of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) in ALD and the role of acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) in ER stress-mediated ER-phagy. A mouse model of ALD was established using the Gao-Binge method and the AML12 cell line treated with alcohol was used as an in vitro model. We showed that ASIC1a expression was significantly increased and ER-phagy was activated in both the in vivo and in vitro models. In alcohol-treated AML12 cells, we showed that blockade of ASIC1a with PcTx-1 or knockdown of ASIC1a reduced alcohol-induced intracellular Ca2+ accumulation and ER stress. In addition, inhibition of ER stress with 4-PBA reduced the level of ER-phagy. Furthermore, knockdown of the ER-phagy receptor family with sequence similarity 134 member B (FAM134B) alleviated alcohol-triggered hepatocyte injury and apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that alcohol activates ER stress-induced ER-phagy and liver injury by increasing ASIC1a expression and ASIC1a-mediated Ca2+ influx, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of ALD.

Reduced Bitter Taste and Enhanced Appetitive Odor Identification in Individuals at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014.

An inability to correctly perceive chemosensory stimuli can lead to a poor quality of life. Such defects can be concomitant with excess alcohol consumption, but a large-scale cohort study linking these effects is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic alcohol consumption on chemosensory function by analyzing data from the NHANES 2013-2014, involving 395 participants categorized by alcohol intake behavior: 219 no-intake, 136 light-intake, and 40 risky-intake groups. Chemosensory function was assessed using a self-reported Chemosensory Questionnaire along with objective tests for taste (quinine solution) and smell (appetitive and hazardous odors). Adjusted regression analyses were conducted, controlling for age, gender, smoking status, and multiple pairwise comparisons. Weighted regression analyses were also performed. Risky drinkers had significantly lower odds of identifying quinine (bitter taste) compared to light drinkers (OR = 0.37, p-adjusted = 0.04). Risky drinkers also had higher odds of identifying appetitive odors like strawberry (OR = 5.44, p-adjusted = 0.03) but lower odds for detecting hazardous odors like natural gas (OR = 0.11, p-adjusted = 0.001) compared to light drinkers. Additionally, light drinkers identified the leather scent more effectively than no drinkers (OR = 2.54, p = 0.02). Chronic alcohol consumption, particularly at risky levels, is associated with altered chemosensory function. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing chemosensory symptoms in individuals with alcohol-related behaviors.

Opioid antagonists: clinical utility, pharmacology, safety, and tolerability.

Opioid antagonists block opioid receptors, a mechanism associated with utility in several therapeutic indications. Here, we review the sites of action, clinical uses, pharmacology, and general safety profiles of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved opioid antagonists. A review of the literature and product labels of opioid antagonists was conducted. The unique clinical uses of approved opioid antagonists are related to their ability to block opioid receptors centrally and/or peripherally. Centrally acting opioid antagonists treat opioid and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and reverse opioid overdose. Because the opioid system influences weight and metabolism, one opioid antagonist combination product is approved for chronic weight management; another, approved for adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, mitigates olanzapine-associated weight gain. Peripherally acting opioid antagonists are approved for opioid-induced constipation; another accelerates gastrointestinal recovery after bowel surgery. Opioid antagonists are generally well tolerated; they are not associated with physiologic dependence or abuse. However, opioid antagonists can precipitate acute opioid withdrawal in patients using or undergoing withdrawal from opioid agonists. Likewise, their use can confer a risk for opioid overdose if attempts are made to overcome opioid antagonist blockade of opioid receptors via the intake of additional opioids. Opioid receptor antagonists have diverse therapeutic benefits based on their respective pharmacology and sites of action; understanding their respective nuances facilitates the safe and effective use of these agents.

Preliminary study of environmental risk and protective factors during pregnancy for cleft lip with or without palate in the Korean population.

To investigate which types of environmental exposure during pregnancy are risk and protective factors for cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P). This case-control study included 278 orthodontic patients with CL/P (CL/P group) and 51 without CL/P (non-CL/P group). Demographic and environmental exposure data were collected using questionnaires completed by the parents. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the potential risk and protective factors for CL/P. The two groups did not show significant difference in (1) body weight at birth and number of previous births; (2) fathers' ages at birth and occupation; (3) parents' chronic diseases, alcohol consumption, and exposure to harmful substances; and (4) mothers' smoking, secondhand smoking, and vitamin and calcium intake. Most patients with CL/P were born at normal term (≥ 37 weeks, 93.2%) with normal body weight (2.9-3.7 kg, 63.7%) and as either the first or second child (90.3%). In the CL/P group, the percentages of mothers who were very young or old (≤ 19 years, ≥ 40 years) and with physical labor in their occupation were low (1.8% and 2.2%, respectively). Compared with the non-CL/P group, the CL/P group showed a lower percentage of maternal folic acid intake (68.6% vs. 20.9%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.121; P < 0.001) and higher percentages of mothers' drug intake and fathers' smoking habits (3.9% vs. 16.2%, OR = 4.73, P < 0.05; 39.2% vs. 61.2%, OR = 2.44, P < 0.01). The findings of this study may explain the association between environmental factors and CL/P risk.

Validity of prenatal AUDIT screening for alcohol disorders – a Nationwide Swedish register study

Objective: This study aims to assess the external validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in Swedish prenatal care as an indicator for alcohol-addiction disorders, and to characterize women with mismatched information in healthcare registers Design: This study was designed as a National register-based study. Setting: Sweden Participants: The study sample included 739,735 pregnancies over the period 2014–2020. Methods: Prospectively collected prenatal AUDIT screening in the Swedish Pregnancy register was linked to national health databases through individual identification number. The AUDIT score was dichotomized into &lt; 6 points (low-risk use) and ≥ 6 points (hazardous use). Alcohol addiction disorders were defined by a diagnostic code in The Swedish National Patient Register or drugs dispensed for alcohol dependence in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Primary Outcome Measures: The diagnostic properties of AUDIT were assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and accuracy (proportion of true positive and true negative) for an AUDIT score of ≥ 6 points for alcohol disorders. Women with mismatched information in the register were characterized and assessed by multinominal logistic regression, using women with matched information in the registers for reference. Results: An alcohol-related disorder was recorded in 3.1%, while 25,770 (3.5%) had an AUDIT point ≥ 6. The diagnostic accuracy of the AUDIT ≥ 6 points for detection of an alcohol related disorder during a year prior to pregnancy was 95.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 95.7, 95.8), with a positive LR of 8.03 (95% CI: 7.5, 8.6). The sensitivity for detecting a pre-pregnancy alcohol related disorder was 33.0% (95% CI: 30.9, 35.1). Being young, nulliparous, of low education, and of Swedish origin increased the likelihood of being misclassified with the AUDIT. Prior psychiatric care was associated with false negatives, especially for women with neuropsychiatric disorders (odds ratio [OR]: 10.39, 95% CI: 9.89, 10.90). Conclusions: The accuracy of AUDIT in screening for alcohol disorders at a population-based level was high, but only identified one third of women with alcohol-related disorders when using a cut-off of six points criterion.

Bereavement and problematic alcohol use: Prevalence and predictors among a national sample of bereaved adults.

Problematic alcohol use (PAU) is highly prevalent in the United States. Although bereavement, a highly stressful and ubiquitous experience across the lifespan, is believed to increase the risk for PAU based on a small number of studies, research using large diverse samples of bereaved adults has yet to be conducted. Therefore, relations between PAU and bereavement remain poorly understood, hampering the reach and effectiveness of alcohol interventions. The current study addresses this limitation by investigating rates and correlates of PAU and service utilization among a large national sample of bereaved adults. Participants were adults who reported the death of a significant other in their lifetime (N = 1529). Most participants identified as female (69.1%) and White (68.2%), with an average age of 44.7 (SD = 16.29). Online self-report surveys assessed the prevalence of PAU using the AUDIT-C, mental health service utilization, and associated characteristics. Nearly one-third (n = 463; 30.3%) screened positive for PAU, which surpasses rates found in the general US population. After accounting for other characteristics, time since the death (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 2.59-5.08) and meeting presumptive criteria for depression (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.64-3.18) and prolonged grief disorder (PGD; OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13-2.25) significantly increased risk for PAU among the bereaved. Approximately half (n = 244; 52.7%) of bereaved adults with PAU received any mental health service since the death. Time since the death (OR, 4.19; 95% CI, 2.38-7.48) and presumptive depression (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.25-3.74) were associated with service utilization after accounting for other characteristics. The high prevalence of PAU among bereaved adults, particularly among those with a diagnosis of PGD, and limited use of support services underscore the need for greater empirical attention and integrated substance use care for bereaved adults.

An evaluation of the impact of a national Minimum Unit Price on alcohol policy on alcohol behaviours.

In 2018, Scotland pioneered national legislation which set a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) of 50 pence (∼US$0.64, €0.59) per unit of UK alcohol sold (8g/10ml). To inform policy development, we examine the policy effect using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), employing longitudinal data for over 17200 individuals. The effect of MUP on AUDIT-C scores is inferred by employing difference-in-difference regression. Pre- and post-intervention alcohol behaviours of individuals from Scotland are compared to a matched 'control' from England. Drinking at hazardous and harmful levels could be identified, as well as the frequency of alcohol consumption, number of drinks and heavy episodic drinking. Estimates adjust for demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics. Potential inequalities by gender, age and household income are examined. MUP led to an estimated 5.3% reduction in the number of drinks consumed on drinking occasions, though a statistically significant effect on overall reported AUDIT-C scores or drinking at hazardous levels was not detected, with few differential effects for subgroups. Differences in the findings of this research compared to other studies may be explained by differences in population coverage collected in the survey data, compared to more comprehensive, population-wide administrative data, as well as sample attrition.

Momentary Fluctuations in Impulsivity Predicts Suicidal Ideation Among Those With Problematic Alcohol Use.

Problematic alcohol use is a recognized risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Individuals who misuse alcohol and those experiencing suicidal ideation (SI) often exhibit elevated impulsivity, suggesting that impulsivity may be an underlying mechanism. Impulsivity fluctuates considerably within individuals over short periods, particularly among those engaged in episodic heavy drinking, college students, and those with SI. While impulsivity is associated with suicidal thinking at a trait level, its relationship with SI on a momentary level remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to (a) replicate cross-sectional findings linking impulsivity and SI in those with problematic alcohol use, and (b) extend these findings to examine the momentary associations between impulsivity and SI within this population. Two independent undergraduate samples were utilized: the first cross-sectional (n = 653) and the second employing ecological momentary assessment (n = 56). All participants screened for problematic alcohol or substance use. Our results show a unique association between the impulsivity facet of negative urgency and SI. Results also demonstrate an interactive effect of negative affect and "spur of the moment decisions" in predicting concurrent SI, as well as an interaction between negative affect and "saying things without thinking" in prospectively predicting SI. Findings highlight the saliency of negative urgency, both at the trait and state level in the prediction of SI. Although in need of replication, results indicate that specific aspects of momentary impulsivity may be uniquely linked with SI, and that this relationship may be context dependent.

Case Report: Dust Remover Inhalant Use Disorder in an Individual in Early Remission from Alcohol Use Disorder Treated with Naltrexone.

Inhalants are a very diverse class of substances with a highly prevalent recreational use. Difluroethane (DFE) is a psychoactive ingredient present in several propellants and dust remover products. Past reports have described the toxicological effects of this compound, but its addictive potential is poorly described in the literature. We present a case report (N = 1) of an adult man who very rapidly developed a severe inhalant use disorder (IUD), in the context of an early remission of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). He received treatment with naltrexone in a residential treatment program. He provided verbal and written consent for the publication of this case report. This is the first follow-up case of dust remover-IUD treated with naltrexone described in the literature. This case is clinically important for several reasons, including its atypical age of presentation, rapid progression, medical consequences, and positive response to multimodal treatment. The easy availability and lack of regulation of many inhalants, such as DFE, combined with the inability to be detected in regular screening tests, make this phenomenon a potential public health threat. We hypothesize that, consistent with previous reports, there might be a common neurobiological signature between AUD and IUD.

Age-Related Hearing Loss: A cross-sectional study of healthy older Australians.

Introduction Hearing loss is common in ageing populations, but thorough investigation of factors associated with objective hearing loss in otherwise healthy, community dwelling older individuals is rare. We examined prevalence of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in healthy, community-dwelling older adults, and determined whether sociodemographic, lifestyle or health factors associate with hearing thresholds. Audiometry assessment was investigated with self-reports of hearing loss and hearing handicap. Methods Australian participants (n=1260) of median age 73 years (IQR 71-76) joined ASPREE-Hearing, a sub-study of the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) trial with exclusions including cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease (CVD), independence-limiting physical disability, and uncontrolled hypertension. ASPREE collected demographics, anthropometrics, lifestyle, and health data. Audiometry measured better ear pure-tone-average (PTA) across four frequencies (0.5-4kHz) to establish hearing thresholds, categorised as normal or mild, moderate and severe hearing loss. Questionnaires collected perceived hearing problems and noise exposure. Results ARHL prevalence by audiometry was 49.7%, affecting men (59%) more than women (41%). A majority (54.5%) self-reported some hearing problems which mostly aligned with objective assessments; 45.6% self-reported a "little trouble" with hearing, while 35% had objective mild hearing loss; (8.3%) reported having a "lot of trouble" hearing while 13% had moderate hearing loss; and (0.6%) reported being "deaf" with 2% demonstrated severe hearing loss. There was a significant association (p<0.001) between self-reported hearing handicap and audiometric measures of hearing loss. In multivariate analysis of health, demographics and lifestyle risk factors only age, gender (men), and education years (<12) remained associated (P<0.05) with hearing loss. Hearing thresholds were not associated with smoking, living situation, alcohol use, hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. Conclusion ARHL robustly assessed by audiometry is common among healthy older Australians with men more likely to have abnormal hearing thresholds than women. Hearing loss was associated with fewer years of formal education, but not with a range of chronic conditions or alcohol use. Self-reported hearing loss correlates well with higher PTA hearing threshold levels in this healthy cohort where prevalence was lower than previously reported for the age group >70 years. Hearing health education remains an important public health tool for this age. Targeting hearing in older patient health checks could be beneficial to mitigate the cognitive, social, and mental health consequences of ARHL, even if patients do not report a problem or handicap.

Problematic alcohol consumption among management undergraduates of Bhaktapur District, Nepal

BackgroundAlcohol consumption is a significant public health concern among young people worldwide. While alcohol use is culturally embedded in many Nepalese communities, evidence regarding the prevalence of problematic drinking and its associated factors remains scarce among youths. This study aims to assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption and problematic drinking and their associated factors among management undergraduate students of Bhaktapur, Nepal.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among 304 undergraduate students in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess problematic drinking. Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with alcohol consumption and problematic drinking, at the 5% level of significance.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption was 58.2% (95% CI:52.0-63.6%), with 26.6% (95% CI: 19.2–33.1%) exhibiting problematic drinking. Being male (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI:1.11–3.76), dissatisfaction with academic performance (aOR: 2.43, 95% CI:1.35–4.38), and alcohol preparation at home (aOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.20–5.40) were associated with alcohol consumption. Problematic drinking was linked to male gender (aOR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.71–9.46), living in a joint family (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.09–5.29), poor perceived emotional support from family (aOR: 4.94, 95% CI: 1.50-16.26), and traumatic experience (aOR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.19–6.02).ConclusionThis study revealed the concerning prevalence of alcohol consumption and dependency among Nepali undergraduate students. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive interventions targeting gender, the family environment, and academic factors to address alcohol misuse among Nepali youth.

Saikogenin A improves ethanol-induced liver injury by targeting SIRT1 to modulate lipid metabolism

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol live disease (ALD). Steatosis is a critical hallmark of ALD, making it an important stage for therapeutic intervention. Saikosaponin A (SSa), a compound found in Radix Bupleuri, has previously shown promising hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its role in ALD remains understudied. We employ cell-based screening models and a chronic-plus-binge ethanol-fed mouse model to investigate the protective mechanisms of SSa and its metabolite Saikogenin A (SGA), against ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury. Our RNA-seq analysis in mice unveils that SSa primarily acts through the mTOR and PPAR-α signaling pathways in the liver. Biophysical assays and loss of function experiments confirm SGA directly binds to and modulates the activity of SIRT1 protein, mitigating ethanol-induced cell injury via the SIRT1-mTOR-PPAR-α axis. Furthermore, SGA displays a survival prolonging advantage compared to resveratrol for treating ALD. This suggests SGA holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for ALD.

Minibioreactor arrays to model microbiome response to alcohol and tryptophan in the context of alcohol-associated liver disease

The intestinal microbiota (IM) plays a role in the severity of alcohol-associated liver disease. Modifying severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) dysbiosis improves liver injury through tryptophan (Trp) metabolites and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). However, Trp’s effect on the IM in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients remains unclear. Here, we used an in vitro microbiota modeling system named Minibioreactor arrays (MBRAs). Feces from AUD patients with or without AH were treated with low, normal, or high Trp concentrations, with subsequent treatment with alcohol. Microbiota composition and AhR activity were studied. We showed that microbial communities from donors were maintained in MBRAs. High and low Trp increased the abundance of pathogen Escherichia Shigella. In the absence of alcohol, Trp changed more bacteria in AUD IM compared to AH IM. Normal Trp increased the AhR activity. Overall, maintaining normal Trp levels may prevent dysbiosis in AUD or AH, pending in vivo confirmation.

Utilization of biomarkers for alcohol use in liver transplantation candidates with alcohol-associated liver disease.

Although a set period of abstinence is no longer a requirement for transplant consideration in many liver transplantation programs, it is imperative to utilize valid monitoring tools to detect ongoing alcohol use in transplant candidates. Urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is an objective measure of alcohol use. This single centre retrospective study aims to describe the psychosocial characteristics of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) patients who provided positive EtG tests in the pre-transplant phase. Data was collected between May 1, 2018 and November 30, 2021 for all ALD patients referred to our transplantation program (n=497). Psychosocial characteristics and transplant outcomes were recorded for all patients. Patients with a positive EtG test were compared to patients who did not have a positive EtG test. A backward logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with a positive EtG test. Of the 497 patients evaluated, 40 (8%) provided a positive EtG test, including at initial clinic visit (n=20), during medical evaluation (n=14) and while on the waitlist (n=6). Severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) (p<.01), consuming less than 10 daily standard drinks (p=0.011) and longer duration of daily alcohol use (p=.028) were significantly associated with a positive EtG test. Psychiatric comorbidity, daily alcohol consumption amount and previous treatment for AUD were not significantly associated with positive tests. A minority of ALD patients provided a positive urine EtG in the pre-transplant phase. Alongside clinical interview, biomarker testing is an objective tool to identify ongoing alcohol use in ALD patients.

One-year ecological momentary assessment of alcohol use, mood, and stress among individuals with alcohol use disorder during SARS-CoV-2 pandemics: a gender-specific reflection.

Alcohol consumption (AC) is a leading risk factor for death, morbidity, and disability worldwide. Gender-specific differences in AC and its moderators, which may serve as markers for preventing severe alcohol use disorders (AUD), showed inconsistent results. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on these differences remains unclear. We examined gender-specific differences in short- and long-term factors affecting AC in individuals at risk for alcohol dependence, focusing on mood, stress, and the influence of restriction-dependent lockdown phases. 358 subjects with AUD aged 16 to 65 were studied over one year. Daily electronic diaries and monthly questionnaires were conducted from 10/01/2020 to 09/30/2021, assessing real-world trajectories of AC, mood (MDMQ), and stress (PSS-10) during Germany's second COVID-19 wave. Multi-level models were used to assess associations between these measures and with several within- and between-subject variables. During lockdown, women experienced lower and even decreasing mood (valence: β = -0.2, p < .039; calmness: β = -0.3, p < .010), while men's mood increased from the most restrictive lockdown phase (valence: β = 0.2, p < .001; calmness: β = 0.3, p < .001) to post-lockdown (valence: β = 0.5, p < .001; calmness: β = 0.6, p < .001). Stress increased earlier (β = 0.8, p < .001) and more prolonged (β = 0.4, p = .021) in women than in men. For both genders, daily mood was positively associated with daily AC (valence: β = 0.6, p = .004; calmness: β = 0.4, p = .013), leading to stronger drinking on days with elevated mood. Conversely, average mood was negatively associated with average AC (valence: β = -1.6, p = .011; calmness: β = -1.2, p = .041), indicating higher overall consumption with worse overall mood. Our findings highlight the need for interventions targeting mental distress in women with AUD during pandemics, as this group faces increased mental burden during social isolation and increased risk of alcohol dependence during persistent distress.

On the edge of the social media landscape: associations with adolescent substance use and moderation by parental rules.

Adolescent problematic social media use (PSMU) has been increasing. Digital engagement has been associated with substance use, but little is known about the potential protective role of parents. We investigated whether screen and substance-related parental rules moderated the associations between (problematic) SMU and intake of tobacco, alcohol, hashish/marijuana, and laughing gas. We used data from the Amsterdam Born Children and Development study (N=1787; Mage=15.86years; SD=0.36). Both frequent and problematic SMU in relation to tobacco, alcohol, hashish/marijuana, and laughing gas intake levels; and moderation by perceived parental rules (screen/substances), was tested with ordinal logistic regression models. PSMU was associated with higher chances of higher substance use levels. Hashish/marijuana use and heavy drinking were less prevalent in adolescents reporting the presence of parental rules on alcohol/drugs, compared to adolescents reporting no rules. Although parental rules on alcohol/drugs, but not screen time, moderated the relationship between PSMU and both hashish/marijuana use and heavy drinking, the moderation effect was modest, especially in mitigating substance use at higher PSMU-scores. PSMU was positively associated with a wide range of substance use behaviours. The potential significant role of parental rules (alcohol/drugs) mitigating these associations are highlighted.

Subjective time dilation in abstinent patients with alcohol use disorder

ABSTRACT Introduction Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may have distortions in time perception. This study investigated subjective time dilation (the tendency to perceive a time interval longer than it is) and its association with craving and impulsivity in AUD. Method Thirty abstinent male inpatients with AUD (age 29–60 years) and thirty sex-, age-, and education-matched healthy controls completed a temporal generalization task, which assessed the preference (point of subjective equality, PSE) and sensitivity of time perception in the second range. Craving for alcohol was assessed using the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire. Impulsivity was assessed using a delay discounting task and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was used to measure executive function (flanker task, symbol digit modalities test, trail-making test-A/B), negative emotionality (Beck Depression Inventory-II, Self-rating Anxiety Scale), and incentive salience (monetary incentive delay task) following the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA) framework. Results AUD patients exhibited a smaller PSE than healthy controls, perceiving a time interval 8% longer than it was. AUD patients with a smaller PSE showed a greater craving for alcohol but not greater impulsivity. Exploratory factor analysis incorporating the PSE and ANA measures revealed four latent factors. The PSE loaded highly onto a factor reflecting time perception but not three other factors reflecting executive function, negative emotionality, and incentive salience. Conclusions AUD patients exhibit a pathological form of subjective time dilation, which is associated with a greater craving for alcohol. Time perception may be an independent functional dimension for understanding addictive behaviors in AUD.