Proteins in Immune System May Influence Alcohol Dependence

Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. New research shows that pro-inflammatory cytokines—which function in the immune system—may be involved in alcohol dependence (AD). Science Daily reports that a study of three polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 gene complex (IL-1) and one of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) has found that IL-1 may...

Study Examines Link Between Ethnic Background and Alcoholism

While some may believe alcoholism and drug abuse does not play favorites among different ethnic groups, research suggests that such use can wreak more havoc depending upon a person’s background. Researchers from the University of Kansas Medical Center suggest Hispanics with alcohol-induced problems – especially male Mexican Americans – endure significantly worse health and welfare than those from...

Young Drinkers More Susceptible to Developing Alcohol Problems Later in Life

A new study warns that the age at which a person takes his or her first drink may influence genes linked to alcoholism, making the youngest drinkers the most susceptible to severe problems. Science Daily reports that a team of researchers, led by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, studied 6,257 adult twins from Australia to learn whether twins who start drinking at an early age are...

RTI Gets Grant for Childhood Drinking Prevention Program

Researchers at RTI International have been given a $3 million grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to conduct a study that aims to help prevent children from drinking alcohol at an early age. The researchers will develop and test a home-based program designed to promote an alcohol-free childhood, in hopes to reduce the number of children who start using alcohol by sipping on...

TEDS Examines Substance Abuse Characteristics for Treatment Admissions (Part II)

The Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) is a summary report of information on the demographic and substance abuse characteristics of 1.8 million annual admissions to treatment for abuse of alcohol and drugs in facilities that report to State data systems. This report covers admissions for 1997-2007.  (Read Part I of the study) While many experts will suggest that there is no specific demographic that is more...