The use of alcohol is as old as the civilization and mentions of alcohol could be found in virtually every culture all over the world. In ancient Persia, getting drunk during a feast was a social norm and an important aspect of diplomatic talks because it helped take down the barriers and speak more openly. However, the final agreements were made only tomorrow when the participants of the talks sober up. Among other peoples, the use of vine or other fermented fruit drinks was also a part of social events and celebrations.
We’re going to observe how alcohol addiction is regarded and treated nowadays https://addictionresource.com/addiction-and-rehab-hotlines/ and how modern science explains various signs and side effects of alcoholism.
Is it in our genes?
There’s a lot of people who can drink heavily and never become addicted, while there are people who risk regular addiction help line phone calls with each glass of alcohol they take. This phenomenon was at the focus of the attention of William Lovallo’s attention as he and his team were looking for the answer. Their research found that persons with COMT (rs4680) Val158Met genotypes have a higher chance of developing an addiction. However, the research indicates that this genetic predisposition is not enough to lead you to alcohol abuse. The key factor is the stressful environment that triggers the genetic potential for addiction.
It’s the brain that tricks us
According to studies, alcohol intake triggers the release of endorphins in two major parts of the human brain that are connected with reward processing. It’s what makes a person feel good while under the influence of alcohol, but why doesn’t it affect everyone equally? Why are some people able to drink occasionally or satisfy with moderate amounts of liquor, while others seem to grow an obsessive affection towards drinking that it becomes an addiction?
The latest studies show that not all of us react the same to alcohol because of the endorphin releases differently with each person. After performing a PET scan to analyze the release of endorphins with various groups of people, the scientists have detected a pattern for those who drink heavily and the people that are considered to be light drinkers. Even though both groups had the same amount of alcohol, the results of the scan showed that heavy drinkers experienced higher endorphin release, which is the reason why some of us enjoy alcohol so much that it becomes an addiction.
Thanks to these findings a person could contact addiction hotline knowing the doctors are now able to work on a way to treat alcohol abuse more effectively. Since it’s our brain that decides the amount of “feel-good” hormones that pumps into our reward centers each time we take a shot, the science is working on safe methods to reduce or block the release of endorphins which we get hooked on.
Is ketamine the answer to alcohol abuse?
Our brain memorizes that alcohol makes us feel good, which causes an exaggerated craving for alcohol so we could reach the reward one more time. As a person continues to pursue that alcohol-induced bliss, an addiction forms which tricks us that it’s the drinking that reduces the stress. Therefore, scientists at University College London decided to perform a series of tests that will allow them to find a way to erase alcohol-related reward memory. The goal was to help those who’ve spent years dialing various rehab numbers to finally keep their urge for alcohol at bay.
The initial experiment conducted at the UCL included a group of 90 participants with reported alcohol consumption issues. Another common denominator for the test subjects was their preference for beer. In front of each of the test subjects, there was a glass of beer which they were allowed to drink after finishing their task which included looking at different photos that include shots of different alcoholic drinks and rate the urge to drink after each photo.
The second day, the beer was taken from the participants while they were performing their tasks, after which one third of the people who were involved with the experiment had a ketamine shot administered intravenously, while the second group received a placebo shot, and the rest of the group received a ketamine shot without even completing the task at hand. As the experiment moved on, the results showed that all of the participants reduced their alcohol intake and the urge to drink when presented with a glass of beer. Although this experiment was a success, clinical studies are yet to confirm these findings and their potential for successful application in dealing with alcohol addiction as well as its early manifestation.
Conclusion
There is no straight path that leads to becoming addicted to any substance, however, this should not stop us from learning as much as we can so that we could cope more effectively with this health and social issue. Alcohol was, is, and will be a strong cultural and social component all over the world, which is exactly why we need to address it seriously. For persons with alcohol abuse problems, the best first step is contacting their national addiction hotline and take the path to successful treatment from there.