Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute Have Located ‘Neural Mechanism’ Related to Alcohol Addiction
In an article posted earlier this year by Science Daily, researchers at the Scripps Research Institute believe that they have narrowed the search for a brain circuit which may impact alcohol addiction. The study shows that when lasers were used on alcohol-dependent rats to “temporarily inactivate a specific neuronal population it would reverse the alcohol-seeking behavior.” While the science is not yet ready for use on humans, it is revolutionary in the fight against addiction.
Alcohol addiction affects millions of Americans. Despite the need for treatment, very few people at-risk for Alcohol Use Disorder actually seek treatment. The implications that we would be able to “flip a switch” and deter negative drinking behavior are huge and could affect people from across the country. The more research that is done regarding the brain and addiction, the more scientists believe that there is a connection. The recent study showed that by temporarily inactivating this specific neuronal population, not only caused rats to go back to “pre-dependent drinking levels” but also “reduced physical symptoms of withdrawal.”
While more research must be conducted before these techniques can be applied to human study, it should give hope to those suffering with addiction. Discoveries and new treatments are being made all the time. There are options for those suffering from alcohol addiction and dependency. You do not have to go through it alone. If you believe that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, seek treatment immediately. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can take back your life.
Article Source Science Daily: Scripps Research Institute. “Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings: Study may open the door to developing drug therapies or even gene therapies for alcohol addiction.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 March 2019.
Read the full Science Daily article here: “Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings”