In the News

Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse More Common in Boys

Medicine-cabinet A new study suggests boys are more likely than girls to abuse over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

The study of middle school and high school students in 133 schools in Cincinnati found 10 percent said they abused over-the-counter drugs such as cough syrup or decongestants.

University of Cincinnati researchers noted this type of drug abuse can lead to accidental poisoning, seizures and physical and mental addictions.

Two Medications Good First Option for Treating Alcoholism

Woman-drinking An analysis of studies that evaluated two medications used to treat alcoholism concludes they are a good first option for people who want treatment but wish to avoid an inpatient program.

The analysis looked at acamprosate (Campral) and naltrexone (ReVia), Reuters reports.

The medications may be helpful for people in different stages of recovery, because they have different effects on the brain, the researchers report in the journal Addiction.

Heavy In Utero Alcohol Exposure Disrupts the Normal Processes of Brain Development

Results of a Longitudinal Study of the Long-Term Consequences of Drinking during Pregnancy released.

Exposure to alcohol in utero can cause birth defects, including face and brain abnormalities, and is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities.

The study used structural magnetic resonance imaging to measure cortical volume change longitudinally in a cohort of human children and youth with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and a group of unexposed control subjects, demonstrating that the normal processes of brain maturation are disrupted in individuals whose mothers drank heavily during pregnancy.

Male Veterans More Likely Than Civilians to Seek Treatment for Heavy Alcohol Use

soldier-drinking Male veterans with a history of heavy alcohol use are more likely than civilians to seek treatment.

They are also more likely to report better overall health, and to be less depressed, according to a study presented at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting.

The study found 29 percent of veterans under the age of 50 with a long history of heavy alcohol use sought treatment, compared with 17 percent of civilians.

Alcohol’s Effects on Brain Can Begin to Subside Soon After Person Stops Drinking

Hand-holding-beer-mug- Alcohol's damaging effect on the brain can begin to subside two weeks after a person stops drinking, a new study suggests.

Recovery may vary among different areas of the brain, the researchers say.

The findings could offer promising news for recovering alcoholics, according to HealthDay.

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