Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs

Ghrelin is a peptide, mainly produced in the stomach, but also found in small amounts in the brain. It is known to affect food intake by increasing feelings of hunger and the urge to eat. A new study has examined ghrelin’s role in addictive behaviors. Findings indicate that variations in the genes producing ghrelin and […]

Non-daily or “casual” smokers tend to slip through the cracks of prevention efforts. Yet casual smoking and heavy drinking are prevalent behaviors among young adults and, furthermore, casual smoking occurs primarily in the context of alcohol use. A new study of casual smoking and drinking behavior has found that non-daily smoking confers an increased risk […]

Previous animal research showed an association between the neuropeptide Y (NPY) pathway and its three receptor genes and response to alcohol and cocaine. A new study has examined the relationship of the human NPY system with alcohol dependence (AD), with and without withdrawal symptoms, and cocaine dependence.

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Australians would overwhelmingly support increased ‘alcopops’ and tobacco tax if funds raised were used for preventive health programs, according to Newspoll research published today (24/9). A survey of more than 1200 Australian adults showed 84 per cent supported the Government’s proposed ‘alcopops’ tax and 88 per cent backed increased tobacco […]

El Centro, at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has received a $225,000 grant by its sponsor, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health. These funds will support a regional seminar series on health disparities related to HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and family and […]

Calorie-free natural sweetener moves one step closer to use in the U. S. Researchers in Georgia are reporting an advance toward the possible use of a new natural non-caloric sweetener in soft drinks and other food products in the United States. Stevia, which is 300 times more potent than sugar […]

Teen smokers who volunteer for programs to help them quit are more hooked on tobacco than other teens who smoke, new West Virginia University research has found. The teens believe quitting is a good idea, but they aren’t fully confident they’ll be able to kick the tobacco habit.

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Anyone interested in receiving the latest scientific information about drug abuse and addiction has a new number to call: 1-877-NIDA-NIH. NIDA, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), launches DrugPubs, its new research dissemination center, designed to distribute materials and information on drug abuse and addiction to virtually all audiences: drug abuse […]

According to new guidelines CDC officials made public on Thursday, people born in either Asia or Africa who currently live in the U.S. should be tested for hepatitis B, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

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Mothers, take note. If you really want to curb your teens’ chances of using alcohol, help them develop a self-view that doesn’t include drinking. According to a new Iowa State University study, the power of positive thinking by moms may limit their children’s alcohol use. But beware. The opposite is also true.

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