As Male and Female Drinking Patterns Become More Similar, Adverse Alcohol Risks for Women Become More Apparent

Two clusters of brain cells compete to promote either the persistence or disappearance of traumatic memories, according to a new study conducted in mice. The findings could provide important insights into human conditions—such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and associated problems such as alcohol use disorder (AUD)—that can arise from the persistence of traumatic memories.

In a recent study, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)-funded researchers at the Recovery Research Institute and Chestnut Health Systems found that many individuals in recovery for alcohol and other substance use disorders report more life achievements, such as increased community engagement and enhanced well-being, as their time in recovery increases.

Stay-at-home and physical distancing orders during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom, and reports suggest that some people may be consuming more alcohol as a coping mechanism.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is working on two fronts to help healthcare professionals gain knowledge about alcohol’s impact on health and ways to prevent, detect, and treat alcohol problems in their patients.