History Of Alcohol Dependence Research Articles

Gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement timing and clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) receiving definitive chemoradiation.

37 Background: Patients with HNSCC who undergo definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) frequently require nutritional support via G-tubes; despite this, the factors associated with the timing of G-tube placement remain poorly understood. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with HNSCC who received dCRT and required G-tube placement between 01/2018 – 01/2024. We segregated G-tube timing into two groups as determined by the intent of the treating clinician: “prophylactic” placement (ordered in anticipation of dCRT start) or “reactive” placement (ordered in response to weight loss or other adverse clinical indicators). We then evaluated associated clinical variables (patient, disease, treatment) and outcomes (weight loss, G-tube duration, healthcare utilization). Differences across G-tube groups were assessed using t-tests or Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests for continuous measures and Fisher’s exact tests or logistic regression for binary variables. Results: We identified 86 patients; 59 (69%) prophylactic and 27 (31%) reactive G-tubes were placed. At baseline, patients had a mean age of 63, BMI of 28 kg/m 2 , and Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4. Patients were 12% non-White, 2% non-English speaking, and 10% unhoused; 27% had a non-metropolitan address, 67% had public insurance, 31% were smokers and 26% had a history of alcohol dependence. The most common site was the oropharynx (66%; 75% HPV+). Across HNSCC types, 38% had stage IV disease and 60% had preexisting dysphagia/odynophagia. Most received weekly (83%) cisplatin (84%) and bilateral (95%) radiation (RT). We collected RT dose data (parotids, esophagus, pharyngeal constrictors) and found no association between RT dose and G-tube group. Patients with prophylactic G-tubes were significantly more likely to have preexisting odynophagia/dysphagia (69% vs 41%, p = 0.017). Compared to the prophylactic group, reactive G-tube placement occurred more often among patients living in non-metropolitan settings (44% vs 19%, p = 0.018) and was associated with a trend towards a higher mean percent weight loss (12% vs 10%; p = 0.128) and cachexia (per int’l criteria; 89% vs 74%, p = 0.159). We observed no difference in the median G-tube duration or in the rate of persistent G-tube use at last follow-up or death. Notably, we found that patients with reactive G-tubes were hospitalized more frequently (74% vs 36%, p = 0.001) and had a longer median length of stay (LOS; 6 vs 0 days, p = 0.001); these findings remained statistically significant when controlling for other factors (OR 3.76 [95% CI: 1.20-12.65]; p = 0.026). Conclusions: We found that reactive G-tubes were associated with increased hospitalization and LOS, suggesting that select patients may benefit from earlier G-tube placement.

Long-term courses of alcohol dependence

Descriptions of long-term histories of alcohol dependence provide insight into the etiology, prevention and care. Report of empirical findings about the development into and remission from alcohol dependence. Narrative literature review, analysis of findings from cohort studies in the general population. Risk factors provide the opportunity to estimate increased probabilities of developing an alcohol dependence. Adolescents disclosed symptoms of alcohol dependence within 8 years after the first alcohol consumption. Alcohol dependence is related to alife expectancy 17.6 years fewer than in the general population. Data of ageneral population sample revealed arisk of early death 2.8times higher than among people without mental disorders. The severity of alcohol dependence was shown to be a predictor of premature death. Nicotine dependence can add to the shortening of life in addition to alcohol dependence. Among the alcohol dependent residents in ageneral population sample, 90.2% did not have utilized detoxification treatment that included motivational treatment and 78.4% did not have utilized standard detoxification treatment in apsychiatric treatment facility. Remission without formal help has been proven. It is the main route of remission. To reduce unfavorable courses of alcohol dependence, prevention and treatment should be focused more on the needs in the general population. In psychiatric and other medical routine care, screening and an appropriate brief intervention should be carried out.

Factors Affecting Outcome of Traumatic Brain Injury in Alcohol Dependence in the Absence of Intoxication: A Study from Goa

Abstract Background Alcohol dependence is common in certain parts of the world and it contributes to increased incidence of head injury. The effect of alcohol dependence on head injury outcome separate from intoxication has not received much attention. Aims We evaluate the factors affecting outcome in head injury patients with a history of alcohol dependence. Materials and Methods A prospective study of alcohol-dependent patients with head injury was conducted. The patients were treated using standard head injury protocols and information regarding duration of alcohol use was assessed with investigations relating to alcoholic liver disease. The outcome was measured up to 1 month and analyzed with respect to the factors measured. Results The Extended Glasgow Outcome Score at 1 month was lower in patients with increasing duration of alcohol use. Increased duration of alcohol use also led to increased incidence of liver disease and coagulopathy, which independently affected the outcome negatively. Higher duration of alcohol use also resulted in increased risk of seizures and infection. Conclusion Alcohol dependence negatively affects head injury outcome at 1 month. In addition, increased duration of alcohol use shows a linear trend with poor outcome. Although the exact mechanisms for this are not clear, detection and management of complications like coagulopathy may improve outcome.

Real-world predictors of changes in fear of COVID-19 in the Japanese general population: a large-scale internet-based cohort study with 20,712 participants

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection that considerably impacts both physical and mental health. In particular, the prolonged nature of psychological issues associated with COVID-19 has become a concern. However, evidence based on longitudinal studies investigating the changes in fear of COVID-19 has been limited, posing a public health challenge.MethodsWe investigated the predictors of changes in the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) scores in the general Japanese population using data from a large-scale internet-based cohort study.ResultsWe included 20,712 study participants (mean age = 51.1 years, percentage of males = 49.9%). The baseline FCV-19S score for the research participants was 17.0, and one year later, the FCV-19S score decreased to 15.8. The predictors of increase in FCV-19S scores were older age, male sex, COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy, higher baseline FCV-19S total score, severe psychological distress, never married, worsening subjective health status, a greater number of COVID-19 vaccinations, a history of alcohol dependency, and living with family members. Conversely, the predictors of decrease in FCV-19S scores included habitual alcohol intake, COVID-19 not requiring oxygen therapy and a higher household income. Our study was an internet-based survey focused on residents of Japan, which raises the possibility of selection bias and makes it unclear whether the findings can be extrapolated to other countries and cultures.ConclusionDuring the observation period, the FCV-19S scores significantly decreased. Severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy within one year of baseline was the most impactful predictor of an increase in FCV-19S score. On the other hand, mild COVID-19 not requiring oxygen therapy was a predictor of a decrease in FCV-19S scores. Therefore, we believe that it is necessary to adopt individualized approaches stratified by the severity of the infection when addressing the fear of COVID-19.

LY2444296, a κ-opioid receptor antagonist, selectively reduces alcohol drinking in male and female Wistar rats with a history of alcohol dependence

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a major public health concern. The dynorphin (DYN)/κ-opioid receptor (KOP) system is involved in actions of alcohol, particularly its withdrawal-associated negative affective states. This study tested the ability of LY2444296, a selective, short-acting, KOP antagonist, to decrease alcohol self-administration in dependent male and female Wistar rats at 8 h abstinence. Animals were trained to orally self-administer 10% alcohol (30 min/day for 21 sessions) and were made dependent via chronic intermittent alcohol vapor exposure for 6 weeks or exposed to air (nondependent). After 6 weeks, the effect of LY2444296 (0, 3, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) was tested on alcohol self-administration at 8 h of abstinence. A separate cohort of rats was prepared in parallel, and their somatic withdrawal signs and alcohol self-administration were measured after LY2444296 administration at 8 h, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks abstinence. LY2444296 at 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly reduced physical signs of withdrawal in dependent rats at 8 h abstinence, only. Furthermore, 3 and 10 mg/kg selectively decreased alcohol self-administration in dependent rats at only 8 h abstinence. These results highlight the DYN/KOP system in actions of alcohol during acute abstinence, suggesting KOP antagonism could be beneficial for mitigating acute withdrawal signs and, in turn, significantly reduce excessive alcohol consumption associated with AUD.

Antisocial Personality Traits, Substance Use, and Somatization: A Brief Consideration of Their Interrelation.

The relationship between antisocial personality traits and the expression of somatic symptoms has been the subject of several theoretical and empirical investigations. The present study sought to advance the understanding of the relationship between these variables by testing two moderation models. It was hypothesized that the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization would be moderated by alcohol use, such that the presence of alcohol dependence would strengthen the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization. It was also hypothesized that gender would play a moderating role in the relationship between ASPD and somatization, such that the relationship would be stronger among women than among men. These models were tested in a sample of 787 criminal offenders. Gender did not emerge as a significant moderator in the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization. Although substance use did significantly moderate the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization, the direction of the effect ran counter to expectations: among participants reporting a history of alcohol dependency, the relationship between antisocial features and somatization was diminished. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Alcohol Dependence and Rib Fracture Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chronic alcohol use has been associated with impaired pulmonary function, increased risk of pneumonia and poor outcomes after trauma. With a high incidence of rib fractures in this population, the clinical and physiological factors associated with alcohol dependence may influence how these patients recover from thoracic injuries. Therefore, the aim of the systematic review was to examine the effect of alcohol dependence on rib fracture outcomes. The Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for studies examining adult patients with rib fractures, with and without a history of alcohol dependency. The outcomes of interest were mortality, pulmonary complications, intensive care length of stay, ventilator days and hospital length of stay. A meta-analysis was performed to combine the data and compare results. Three studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review and all studies were observational in design. Alcohol dependency was associated with increased mortality (OR 1.44 (95% CI: 1.33-1.56)), pneumonia (OR 2.14 (2.02-2.27)) and ARDS (OR 1.71(1.48-1.98)) as well as longer stays in hospital and intensive care (p<0.05). No difference was found in ventilator days between the two groups.Early intensive care review should be considered to reduce complications in this population alongside prompt management of withdrawal symptoms. However, limited primary research exists on this topic and the quality of current evidence is low. Additional primary research is needed to further understand this correlation and draw meaningful conclusions.

Blockade of orexin receptors in the infralimbic cortex prevents stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior in rats with a history of alcohol dependence

Blockade of orexin receptors in the infralimbic cortex prevents stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior in rats with a history of alcohol dependence

Distinct dynamic behavioural response to social exclusion in male patients with a history of alcohol dependence.

Social exclusion contributes to alcohol consumption, whereas the development of alcohol dependence (AD) can in turn lead to the social exclusion of people with AD. Previous research observed altered neural responses to experimentally induced social exclusion (i.e., Cyberball game) in patients with AD. In addition, inflammation has been associated with both social behaviours and AD. Our study aimed to investigate the dynamic behavioural response and the inflammatory effects of social exclusion in male patients with a history of AD. To this end, we analysed dynamic changes in ball tossing during a partial exclusion Cyberball game and the cytokine interleukin (IL)-1b in saliva in 31 male patients who had a history of AD and 29 gender-matched healthy controls without AD. Participants were included in the first 2 min of the Cyberball game and then excluded by one of the two co-players in the proceeding 5 min. Saliva was collected three times: one before and two after the Cyberball game. Across groups, participants passed the ball more often to the excluder during the partial exclusion period. Analysis using piece-wise linear mixed models showed that patients rapidly increased ball tosses to the excluder upon exclusion, which lasted to the late response phase, whereas the early behavioural response to exclusion took longer for controls. There was no significant change of salivary IL-1b level to exclusion in either patients or controls. The results indicate a distinct dynamic behavioural response to social exclusion in male patients with a history of AD.

A Rare Case of Bilateral Globus Pallidus Enhancement in a Patient with Clinical Wernicke Encephalopathy (P4-4.003)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To describe a case of Wernicke encephalopathy with atypical MRI findings showing enhancement involving bilateral globi pallidi. <h3>Background:</h3> Thiamine deficiency, commonly as a result of malnourishment associated with alcohol dependence, can cause Wernicke encephalopathy, a neuropsychiatric syndrome that presents with a triad of ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and ataxia. Brain MRI typically shows contrast enhancement of the thalamus and mammillary bodies. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Case Study <h3>Results:</h3> In March 2022, a 55-year-old man with a history of alcohol dependence, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, kidney failure, sleep apnea, and obesity presented to our neurology clinic for initial evaluation and follow-up of a previous hospitalization in October 2021 for symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy. Brain MRI obtained at his hospitalization showed edema and contrast enhancement with restricted diffusion involving the bilateral globi pallidi. He had been drinking 750 mL of bourbon every other day for about 10 years. He noted that his symptoms had improved with thiamine supplementation but still endorsed left unilateral gait instability. He denied carbon monoxide poisoning, exposure to insecticides/pesticides or other toxins. Lab results confirmed this and showed no evidence of exposure to toxins that are known to be associated with insults involving the globus pallidus. His review of systems was positive for weakness and confusion. Physical examination was notable for some impairment of finger-to-nose test, difficulty in sustaining rapid alternating movements, and a broad-based but stable gait. We recommended that the patient continues thiamine supplementation and physical therapy. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Wernicke encephalopathy is associated with atrophic changes involving the mammillary bodies and thalamus, but current literature does not show evidence of changes involving the globus pallidus. The atypical involvement of the bilateral globi pallidi seen in this case demonstrates a need for further research into the role of globus pallidus in the pathogenesis of Wernicke encephalopathy. <b>Disclosure:</b> Miss Karim has nothing to disclose. Mr. Jin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bagga has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mehrizi has nothing to disclose.

Biomarker Variability, Severity of CORADS and Impact of Psychotropic Medications on Course and Outcome of Neuropsychiatric Sequalae of COVID-19 ICU Patients: A Preliminary Observation from South India

IntroductionThere is growing evidence of neuropsychiatric presentations in patients of COVID-19, but literature is scarce on laboratory, clinical and radiological markers as well as impact of psychotropic medications during the course of hospitalization in critically ill patients.ObjectivesThe primary outcome measure was variability of clinical biomarkers and CORADS scores with severity of COVID-19 infections and the impact of psychotropic medications like risperidone and aripiprazole.MethodsWe screened 430 ICU patients admitted to our tertiary care hospitals, out of whom 67 were diagnosed positively with definitive neuropsychiatric sequalae and receive psychotropic interventions during their hospital stay. We compared their D-dimer levels, C-reactive proteins, serum ferritin levels, serum procalcitonin and Vitamin D levels and further analyzed CORADS severity score with psychiatric severity and outcome.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 42.38 years, majority (44.8%) of them belonged to 21-34 years with slight (52.2%) male preponderance and none of them were more than 60 years. We observed a 43.3% were having organic mood disorder and 37.3% of individual had significant history of alcohol dependence while hypertension and diabetes mellitus were noted in 34.3% and 29.9% respectively. Only D-dimer levels were found to be significant and positively associated with outcome of psychiatric disorders (p&lt;0.05), accounting for 41% of covariance on linear regression analysis.ConclusionsOur study has found significant association of elevated levels of D-dimer variability but not the other laboratory biomarkers among various neuropsychiatric comorbid sequalae in ICU admitted COVID 19 patients. This particular observation might have potential for serum D-dimer levels to be possibly used as an early biomarker to screen or suspect for comorbid neuropsychiatric presentations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Blockade of orexin receptors in the infralimbic cortex prevents stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviour in alcohol-dependent rats.

A major problem managing alcohol use disorder is the high vulnerability to relapse, even after long periods of abstinence. Chronic alcohol use dysregulates stress responsivity, rendering this system hyporesponsive and making individuals vulnerable to relapse. Orexin (hypocretin) plays a role in diverse physiological processes, including stress. Orexin neurons in the hypothalamus, project to the infralimbic cortex. This study asked does infralimbic cortex orexin transmission play a significant role in stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviour in alcohol-dependent rats. Male and female rats were trained to self-administer 10% alcohol (3 weeks) and then made dependent via chronic intermittent alcohol vapour exposure. Following extinction (5 days·week-1 at 8 h abstinence for 10 sessions), rats received an intra- infralimbic cortex microinfusion of the OX1/2 antagonist TCS 1102 (15 μg/0.5 μl per side) and then tested for footshock stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking. In a separate cohort, orexin regulation of infralimbic cortex neuronal activity at the time of reinstatement was investigated using ex vivo electrophysiology. TCS 1102 prevented reinstatement in dependent animals only. Moreover, Hcrtr mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and Hcrtr1/2 in the infralimbic cortex increased in alcohol-dependent animals at the time of testing. Dependence dampened basal orexin/OX receptor influence over infralimbic cortex GABAergic synapses (using TCS 1102) allow for greater stimulated orexin effects. Infralimbic cortex transmission is implicate in stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviour in subjects with a history of alcohol dependence and show maladaptive recruitment of infralimbic cortex transmission by alcohol dependence.

Alternative use of suvorexant (Belsomra®) for the prevention of alcohol drinking and seeking in rats with a history of alcohol dependence.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most treatment-resistant medical conditions globally. The orexin (Orx) system regulates diverse physiological processes, including stress, and is a system of interest for the development of pharmaceuticals to treat substance use disorders, particularly AUD. The present study tested the ability of the dual orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant (SUV), marketed by Merck as Belsomra®, for the treatment of insomnia, to decrease alcohol self-administration and the stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior in male Wistar rats with a history of alcohol dependence. Rats were trained to orally self-administer 10% alcohol (30 min/day for 3 weeks) and were either made dependent via chronic intermittent alcohol vapor exposure (14 h ON, 10 h OFF) for 6 weeks or exposed to air (non-dependent). Starting on week 7, the effect of SUV (0-20 mg/kg, p.o.) was tested on alcohol self-administration at acute abstinence (8 h after vapor was turned OFF) twice weekly. A separate cohort of rats that were prepared in parallel was removed from alcohol vapor exposure and then subjected to extinction training for 14 sessions. Once extinction was achieved, the rats received SUV (0 and 5 mg/kg, p.o.) and were tested for the footshock stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior. Suvorexant at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg selectively decreased alcohol intake in dependent rats. Furthermore, 5 mg/kg SUV prevented the stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior in dependent rats only. These results underscore the significance of targeting the Orx system for the treatment of substance use disorders generally and suggest that repurposing SUV could be an alternative approach for the treatment of AUD.

Determinants of Treatment Outcome, Follow-Up, and Abstinence Rates Among Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Prospective Study.

Background The treatment of alcohol use problems needs to have a multidimensional approach for early recovery and better outcome. Objective The study aimed to study the socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with the three-month clinical outcomes among patients with alcohol use disorder treated in a tertiary care general hospital psychiatric unit in southern India. Methods This is a prospective three-month follow-up study. Patients fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder were selected for the study. The baseline severity of alcohol use was assessed by the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, alcohol craving by Alcohol Craving Questionnaire (ACQ), impulsivity by Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, anxiety and depression by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and personality traits by Personality inventory for DSM-5. Craving was assessed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-discharge. Results A total of 110 patients participated in the study. After 3 months of follow-up, 75.5% of the patients remained abstinent throughout the follow-up period. The sample was divided into two groups based on the abstinent status at 12 weeks. Both the abstinent and relapsed users were compared based on socio-demographic, marital, family, illness-related, alcohol-usage, and psychological characteristics, the baseline and follow-up craving indices. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups based on socio-demographic characteristics. Compared to the relapsed group, the abstinent individuals displayed increased adherence to follow-up visits and attended more frequent individual therapy sessions, however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of group therapy sessions attended.Also, the abstinent group demonstrated lower subjective craving at both the baselineand during follow-up. The relapsed users had reported a significantly greater proportion of history of suicide in the family. Further correlational analyses were done to find the direction of associations between psychological characteristics and alcohol-usage characteristics. High attentional impulsivityand motor impulsivitywere associated with early age of first use. High attentional impulsivity, motor impulsivityand impulsive planningwere associated with early age of dependence. Early age of dependence was associated with increased levels of antagonism and psychoticism. Younger onset of alcohol use was associated with increased levels of craving at baseline. The baseline alcohol use severity and the baseline craving towards alcohol were positively correlated with follow-up craving indices as per ACQ and craving index (CI) scales. Conclusion The patients who were abstinent displayed reduced subjective craving towards alcohol at baseline and were more adherent in attending individual and group therapy sessions. Among the relapsed users, most relapsed before four weeks and had a family history of alcohol dependence, family history of psychosis, and suicide, which is indicative of high genetic loading of substance abuse leading to early initiation and early onset of alcohol dependence. The effects of genetic loading could be possibly mediated by traits of high impulsivity, psychoticism, and antagonism.

Time perspective and family history of alcohol dependence moderate the effect of depression on alcohol dependence: A study in Chinese psychiatric clinics.

Depression and alcohol dependence (AD) are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders that commonly co-occur. Therefore, gaining a better grasp of factors related to this comorbidity is particularly interesting for clinicians. Past research has highlighted the significant role that time perspective and family history of alcohol dependence (FH) play in the occurrence of depression and AD. However, much remains unexplored in the understanding of the association between them. This study explored how temporal profile and other sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with AD impact the severity of depression and AD in them. This study was multi-centered, including 381 patients. Cross-sectional information was collected from both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric clinics in China. Data were acquired using validated self-report scales, including Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory-Chinese version. Multiple linear regression analyzes were conducted to control social demographic variables and construct prediction models to inspect the influence factors of variables. Moderation models were constructed to inspect further interplay between variables using hierarchical regression and PROCESS Macro. Results showed that of all the patients in Chinese psychiatry clinics diagnosed with AD according to the International Classification of Diseases-10, 59.9% met the criteria of depression according to the questionnaire, and time perspective was correlated with the severity of depression. Furthermore, using regression analysis, we found that time perspective and depression could predict AD severity. The moderating role of a past negative time perspective and FH was confirmed between depression and AD. We found that, in our study, only in patients with FH and relatively moderate to high scores of past negative time perspective could the severity of depression predict the severity of AD. Therefore, during the treatment and care of patients with AD, their depression level, time perspective score, and FH should be considered.

Signal in the noise:Altered brain activation among adolescent alcohol users detected via the analysis of intra-individual variability1.

RationaleUnlike its average level, the variability in brain activation over time or trials can capture subtle and brief disruptions likely to occur among participants with low-to-moderate levels of substance use or misuse.ObjectiveThe present study used this intra-individual variability measurement approach to detect neural processing differences associated with light-to-moderate use of alcohol among 14–19-year-old adolescents.MethodA total of 128 participants reporting any level of alcohol use during the previous 6 months and 87 participants reporting no use during this period completed intake questionnaires and interviews as well as an assessment of P300 electroencephalographic responses to novel stimuli recorded during two separate tasks.ResultsIn addition to differing in recent alcohol use, the groups differed in nicotine and cannabis use, risk-taking behavior and conduct disorder symptoms, and P300 amplitude inter-trial variability (ITV) across both tasks. Across all participants, P300 ITV was positively correlated with a family history of depression but not with a family history of alcohol dependence. There were no group differences in P300 amplitude averaged across trials.ConclusionsRecent reports attributing brain volume or brain function differences to an effect of light-to-moderate alcohol use should be viewed with great caution. In the present analysis of brain function differences among substance-using adolescents, the group differences were small, complicated by many factors coinciding with or preceding alcohol use, and not reflected in a stable central tendency.

Binge and high-intensity drinking-Associations with intravenous alcohol self-administration and underlying risk factors.

Some styles of alcohol consumption are riskier than others. How the level and rate of alcohol exposure contribute to the increased risk of alcohol use disorder is unclear, but likely depends on the alcohol concentration time course. We hypothesized that the brain is sensitive to the alcohol concentration rate of change and that people at greater risk would self-administer faster. We developed a novel intravenous alcohol self-administration paradigm to allow participants direct and reproducible control over how quickly their breath alcohol concentration changes. We used drinking intensity and the density of biological family history of alcohol dependence as proxies for risk. Thirty-five alcohol drinking participants aged 21-28 years provided analytical data from a single, intravenous alcohol self-administration session using our computer-assisted alcohol infusion system rate control paradigm. A shorter time to reach 80 mg/dl was associated with increasing multiples of the binge drinking definition (p = 0.004), which was in turn related to higher density of family history of alcoholism (FHD, p = 0.04). Rate-dependent changes in subjective response (intoxication and stimulation) were also associated with FHD (each p = 0.001). Subsequently, given the limited sample size and FHD range, associations between multiples of the binge drinking definition and FHD were replicated and extended in analyses of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism database. The rate control paradigm models binge and high-intensity drinking in the laboratory and provides a novel way to examine the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alcohol and potentially the risk for the development of alcohol use disorders.

A Role for Neuropeptide S in Alcohol and Cocaine Seeking.

The neuropeptide S (NPS) is the endogenous ligand of the NPS receptor (NPSR). The NPSR is widely expressed in brain regions that process emotional and affective behavior. NPS possesses a unique physio-pharmacological profile, being anxiolytic and promoting arousal at the same time. Intracerebroventricular NPS decreased alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring rats with no effect in non-preferring control animals. This outcome is most probably linked to the anxiolytic properties of NPS, since alcohol preference is often associated with high levels of basal anxiety and intense stress-reactivity. In addition, NPSR mRNA was overexpressed during ethanol withdrawal and the anxiolytic-like effects of NPS were increased in rodents with a history of alcohol dependence. In line with these preclinical findings, a polymorphism of the NPSR gene was associated with anxiety traits contributing to alcohol use disorders in humans. NPS also potentiated the reinstatement of cocaine and ethanol seeking induced by drug-paired environmental stimuli and the blockade of NPSR reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking. Altogether, the work conducted so far indicates the NPS/NPSR system as a potential target to develop new treatments for alcohol and cocaine abuse. An NPSR agonist would be indicated to help individuals to quit alcohol consumption and to alleviate withdrawal syndrome, while NPSR antagonists would be indicated to prevent relapse to alcohol- and cocaine-seeking behavior.

Association between Parent-Reported Executive Functions and Self-Reported Emotional Problems among Adolescent Offspring of Fathers with Alcohol-Dependence

Objectives To compare the executive functions in adolescents of fathers with alcohol dependence (AOFADs) with a control group of adolescents without a paternal history of alcohol dependence and examine the association between executive functioning problems and behavioral and emotional problems. Materials and Methods The study included 39 AOFADs and 45 adolescent offspring of fathers without a history of alcohol-use disorders, who were matched for age and sex. They were assessed using standardized measures of executive functions and emotional and behavioral problems. Statistical Analysis A comparison was made between the two groups about the parental report of adolescents' executive functions and adolescents' self-reported emotional and behavioral problems. ANCOVA was performed to understand the covariance of educational and socio-economic status on executive functions. Correlation between executive functions, emotional and behavioral problems, and the duration of father's alcohol dependence was examined with Spearman's rho. Results AOFAD group showed significant impairment on all subdomains of executive functions and emotional and behavioral disturbances ( p < 0.01) but not on the prosocial behavioral dimension ( p < 0.01). The group differences were independent of child's education and family income. Executive functional impairments positively correlated with psychopathology ( p < 0.01). Problems with executive functions and psychopathology correlated with the duration of the father's alcohol dependence. Conclusions AOFADs are at risk for executive function impairments which in turn are strongly associated with emotional and behavioral problems. The association is independent of child's education and family economic status. The duration of alcohol dependence in fathers is associated with these problems. It has implications for targeted interventions for both adolescents and families.

Impulsive traits and dual pathology in patients with depression and alcohol dependence, a case report

IntroductionAlcohol dependence is one of the most frequent comorbidities in depression. Multiple environmental and neurobiological factors are directly involved in these diseases. In particular, impulsivity is present in many patients with dual pathology and may play a relevant role in its causes, clinical manifestations and prognosis.ObjectivesTo review the relationship between impulsive traits and dual pathology in patients with depression and alcohol dependence.MethodsPresentation of a clinical case supported by a non- systematic review of literature containing the key-words “impulsivity”, “depression” and “alcohol dependence”.ResultsThis is a case report of a 43-year-old male with a known history of alcohol dependence and recurrent depression. Interestingly, the patient has a family history of bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse disorder on the paternal side, and frontotemporal dementia on the maternal side. He currently presents a depressive episode associates associated with a significant increase in alcohol consumption. The patient has presented prominent impulsive traits since adolescence that have been aggravated in recent years. This lack of impulse control is described as one of the most relevant factors in relapses in alcohol consumption. Multiple studies correlate the lack of impulse control with a worse prognosis in both alcohol dependence (greater probability of relapses and resistance to treatment) and depression (increased suicide risk). Likewise, an increase in cognitive impulsivity has been observed during depressive episodes, characterized by an inability to inhibit behaviors that have already begun and poor planning capacity, which could lead to a worsening of alcohol abuse.ConclusionsImpulsivity traits are related to a worse prognosis in dual pathology due to alcohol and depression, and may present common etiopathogenic mechanisms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.