Today scientists at the Scripps Research Institute announced they’ve identified a key gene that appears to strongly influence the development of alcoholism and alcohol dependence. The research could prove key to zeroing in on how increased risk for alcoholism runs in families.
According to studies in mice, a gene called Nf1 (neurofibromatosis type 1) regulates a signaling pathway that’s linked with alcohol dependence by affecting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA calms the central nervous system, decreases anxiety, and makes you feel more relaxed.
The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, sheds considerable light on genetic variations and how they predict who becomes dependent on alcohol and the severity of the disease. (Yes, alcohol is a disease.)
“This novel and seminal study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms of alcohol dependence,” says Marisa Roberto, Associate Professor at the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), who co-authored the paper.
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begins drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begin drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
Specifically, the Scripps research revealed both that Nf1 is key to the regulation of GABA, and that variations in Nf1 are linked to the risk for developing alcohol addiction.
They did this by partially deleting Nf1 in a group of test mice, then comparing those mice with mice who had intact Nf1 genes to see if they increased their alcohol consumption after periods of withdrawal. Just one withdrawal episode prompted Nf1 mice to drink more alcohol the next time it was offered, while mice with their Nf1 genetically modified didn’t change their behavior.
In a second step, the researchers looked at the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA released by a region of the brain called the central amygdala.
In a third step, the team collaborated with geneticists from around the country to determine if Nf1 was associated with the development of alcohol dependence. Analyzing genetic data from 9,000 people for variation in Nf1, they found an association between Nf1 and the onset and severity of alcoholism.
Previous research has shown GABA release plays a central role in the difference between those who can drink recreationally without becoming dependent, and those who can’t. The brains of the mice with Nf1 released more GABA, while the mice with partially deleted Nf1 showed no increase.
Scientists know a predisposition to high risk for dependence runs in families. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetics are responsible for about half of someone’s propensity to develop alcohol addiction. But it’s taken a great deal of research to zero in on the specific genes involved.
“Despite a significant genetic contribution to alcohol dependence, few risk genes have been identified to date, and their mechanisms of action are generally poorly understood, says Vez Repunte-Canonigo, a staff scientist at TSRI and another co-author.
The identification of genetic variations predicting alcoholism, or at least a stronger tendency to developing dependence, couldn’t be more important to addiction medicine. Those of us with a history of alcoholism in our family tree worry more than the average parent about our teenagers and young adult children’s drinking and what it could mean for their future.
While still in the “someday” category, the study suggests the possibility that future genetic testing could provide valuable information about who’s at risk. Which in turn would reveal kids who might be candidates for early intervention.
“A better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the transition to alcohol dependence will foster novel strategies for prevention and therapy,” says Pietro Paolo Sanna, another TSRI associate professor who was a corresponding author on the paper.
Statistics from a survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that 30 percent of kids begin drinking alcohol as early as 8th grade and by the end of high school more than half of all teens report having been drunk at lease once.
Today scientists at the Scripps Research Institute announced they’ve identified a key gene that appears to strongly influence the development of alcoholism and alcohol dependence. The research could prove key to zeroing in on how increased risk for alcoholism runs in families.
According to studies in mice, a gene called Nf1 (neurofibromatosis type 1) regulates a signaling pathway that’s linked with alcohol dependence by affecting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA calms the central nervous system, decreases anxiety, and makes you feel more relaxed.
The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, sheds considerable light on genetic variations and how they predict who becomes dependent on alcohol and the severity of the disease. (Yes, alcohol is a disease.)
“This novel and seminal study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms of alcohol dependence,” says Marisa Roberto, Associate Professor at the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), who co-authored the paper.
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begins drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begin drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
Specifically, the Scripps research revealed both that Nf1 is key to the regulation of GABA, and that variations in Nf1 are linked to the risk for developing alcohol addiction.
They did this by partially deleting Nf1 in a group of test mice, then comparing those mice with mice who had intact Nf1 genes to see if they increased their alcohol consumption after periods of withdrawal. Just one withdrawal episode prompted Nf1 mice to drink more alcohol the next time it was offered, while mice with their Nf1 genetically modified didn’t change their behavior.
In a second step, the researchers looked at the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA released by a region of the brain called the central amygdala.
In a third step, the team collaborated with geneticists from around the country to determine if Nf1 was associated with the development of alcohol dependence. Analyzing genetic data from 9,000 people for variation in Nf1, they found an association between Nf1 and the onset and severity of alcoholism.
Previous research has shown GABA release plays a central role in the difference between those who can drink recreationally without becoming dependent, and those who can’t. The brains of the mice with Nf1 released more GABA, while the mice with partially deleted Nf1 showed no increase.
Scientists know a predisposition to high risk for dependence runs in families. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetics are responsible for about half of someone’s propensity to develop alcohol addiction. But it’s taken a great deal of research to zero in on the specific genes involved.
“Despite a significant genetic contribution to alcohol dependence, few risk genes have been identified to date, and their mechanisms of action are generally poorly understood, says Vez Repunte-Canonigo, a staff scientist at TSRI and another co-author.
The identification of genetic variations predicting alcoholism, or at least a stronger tendency to developing dependence, couldn’t be more important to addiction medicine. Those of us with a history of alcoholism in our family tree worry more than the average parent about our teenagers and young adult children’s drinking and what it could mean for their future.
While still in the “someday” category, the study suggests the possibility that future genetic testing could provide valuable information about who’s at risk. Which in turn would reveal kids who might be candidates for early intervention.
“A better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the transition to alcohol dependence will foster novel strategies for prevention and therapy,” says Pietro Paolo Sanna, another TSRI associate professor who was a corresponding author on the paper.
Statistics from a survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that 30 percent of kids begin drinking alcohol as early as 8th grade and by the end of high school more than half of all teens report having been drunk at lease once.
Today scientists at the Scripps Research Institute announced they’ve identified a key gene that appears to strongly influence the development of alcoholism and alcohol dependence. The research could prove key to zeroing in on how increased risk for alcoholism runs in families.
According to studies in mice, a gene called Nf1 (neurofibromatosis type 1) regulates a signaling pathway that’s linked with alcohol dependence by affecting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA calms the central nervous system, decreases anxiety, and makes you feel more relaxed.
The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, sheds considerable light on genetic variations and how they predict who becomes dependent on alcohol and the severity of the disease. (Yes, alcohol is a disease.)
“This novel and seminal study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms of alcohol dependence,” says Marisa Roberto, Associate Professor at the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), who co-authored the paper.
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begins drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begin drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
Specifically, the Scripps research revealed both that Nf1 is key to the regulation of GABA, and that variations in Nf1 are linked to the risk for developing alcohol addiction.
They did this by partially deleting Nf1 in a group of test mice, then comparing those mice with mice who had intact Nf1 genes to see if they increased their alcohol consumption after periods of withdrawal. Just one withdrawal episode prompted Nf1 mice to drink more alcohol the next time it was offered, while mice with their Nf1 genetically modified didn’t change their behavior.
In a second step, the researchers looked at the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA released by a region of the brain called the central amygdala.
In a third step, the team collaborated with geneticists from around the country to determine if Nf1 was associated with the development of alcohol dependence. Analyzing genetic data from 9,000 people for variation in Nf1, they found an association between Nf1 and the onset and severity of alcoholism.
Previous research has shown GABA release plays a central role in the difference between those who can drink recreationally without becoming dependent, and those who can’t. The brains of the mice with Nf1 released more GABA, while the mice with partially deleted Nf1 showed no increase.
Scientists know a predisposition to high risk for dependence runs in families. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetics are responsible for about half of someone’s propensity to develop alcohol addiction. But it’s taken a great deal of research to zero in on the specific genes involved.
“Despite a significant genetic contribution to alcohol dependence, few risk genes have been identified to date, and their mechanisms of action are generally poorly understood, says Vez Repunte-Canonigo, a staff scientist at TSRI and another co-author.
The identification of genetic variations predicting alcoholism, or at least a stronger tendency to developing dependence, couldn’t be more important to addiction medicine. Those of us with a history of alcoholism in our family tree worry more than the average parent about our teenagers and young adult children’s drinking and what it could mean for their future.
While still in the “someday” category, the study suggests the possibility that future genetic testing could provide valuable information about who’s at risk. Which in turn would reveal kids who might be candidates for early intervention.
“A better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the transition to alcohol dependence will foster novel strategies for prevention and therapy,” says Pietro Paolo Sanna, another TSRI associate professor who was a corresponding author on the paper.
Statistics from a survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that 30 percent of kids begin drinking alcohol as early as 8th grade and by the end of high school more than half of all teens report having been drunk at lease once.
Today scientists at the Scripps Research Institute announced they’ve identified a key gene that appears to strongly influence the development of alcoholism and alcohol dependence. The research could prove key to zeroing in on how increased risk for alcoholism runs in families.
According to studies in mice, a gene called Nf1 (neurofibromatosis type 1) regulates a signaling pathway that’s linked with alcohol dependence by affecting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA calms the central nervous system, decreases anxiety, and makes you feel more relaxed.
The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, sheds considerable light on genetic variations and how they predict who becomes dependent on alcohol and the severity of the disease. (Yes, alcohol is a disease.)
“This novel and seminal study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms of alcohol dependence,” says Marisa Roberto, Associate Professor at the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), who co-authored the paper.
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begins drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
According to statistics from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 out of 10 teenagers begin drinking alcohol by the end of high school. (photo: wikipedia)
Specifically, the Scripps research revealed both that Nf1 is key to the regulation of GABA, and that variations in Nf1 are linked to the risk for developing alcohol addiction.
They did this by partially deleting Nf1 in a group of test mice, then comparing those mice with mice who had intact Nf1 genes to see if they increased their alcohol consumption after periods of withdrawal. Just one withdrawal episode prompted Nf1 mice to drink more alcohol the next time it was offered, while mice with their Nf1 genetically modified didn’t change their behavior.
In a second step, the researchers looked at the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA released by a region of the brain called the central amygdala.
In a third step, the team collaborated with geneticists from around the country to determine if Nf1 was associated with the development of alcohol dependence. Analyzing genetic data from 9,000 people for variation in Nf1, they found an association between Nf1 and the onset and severity of alcoholism.
Previous research has shown GABA release plays a central role in the difference between those who can drink recreationally without becoming dependent, and those who can’t. The brains of the mice with Nf1 released more GABA, while the mice with partially deleted Nf1 showed no increase.
Scientists know a predisposition to high risk for dependence runs in families. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetics are responsible for about half of someone’s propensity to develop alcohol addiction. But it’s taken a great deal of research to zero in on the specific genes involved.
“Despite a significant genetic contribution to alcohol dependence, few risk genes have been identified to date, and their mechanisms of action are generally poorly understood, says Vez Repunte-Canonigo, a staff scientist at TSRI and another co-author.
The identification of genetic variations predicting alcoholism, or at least a stronger tendency to developing dependence, couldn’t be more important to addiction medicine. Those of us with a history of alcoholism in our family tree worry more than the average parent about our teenagers and young adult children’s drinking and what it could mean for their future.
While still in the “someday” category, the study suggests the possibility that future genetic testing could provide valuable information about who’s at risk. Which in turn would reveal kids who might be candidates for early intervention.
“A better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the transition to alcohol dependence will foster novel strategies for prevention and therapy,” says Pietro Paolo Sanna, another TSRI associate professor who was a corresponding author on the paper.
Statistics from a survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that 30 percent of kids begin drinking alcohol as early as 8th grade and by the end of high school more than half of all teens report having been drunk at lease once.
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All of these programs also de-emphasize individual sessions. Instead, they offer multiple groups. Group therapy is a legitimate treatment, of course — but not the way they do it. True group therapy, led by a well-trained professional therapist, provides an opportunity for individuals to explore their interactions with others in the group, in order to learn more about themselves and their relationships. What is offered in rehabs as “group” treatment is mostly lectures and discussions about assigned topics.
However, if you are forewarned, it is possible to find alternatives that are both better and less expensive. Here’s a short guide:
1. Look for programs that do not have a fixed length of stay. There is absolutely no medical or psychological justification for staying in a facility for exactly 30 days, or any other fixed number. Length of treatment for addiction should be individualized, as it is for every single other medical or psychological hospitalization. You can find programs that average shorter, 2-week stays, and are able to charge less both because they are not as long and because they don’t have horses, aquatics, or ocean views.
2. A competent rehab should emphasize individual treatment with truly well-trained therapists. Don’t be fooled by places that say they offer individualized care when what they mean is that you can choose among several existing programs, none of which offer individual treatment. The ability to choose one lecture series over another, or horses over swimming, is not individualized treatment.
3. Any rehab worth your time and money must offer a variety of modalities without insisting you fit into their favorite one. A program may offer 12-step meetings, for example, but to be competent it must offer non-12-step approaches for those who cannot benefit from a 12-step approach. A rehab must never be a boot camp to whip you into accepting their belief system. Ask if they are based on a single treatment model for everyone, and if so, stay away.
4. Look for fewer, not more, amenities. Every facility needs decent housing and food, but any place that actually thinks horses and scenery treat addiction is telling you they don’t know much about addiction.
It makes sense to be in an inpatient setting because you have tried outpatient treatment and are not doing well. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break from a cycle of addictive behavior, followed by depression, leading to more addictive behavior. But if you decide you need that break, choose well, on the basis of the most qualified care.