Drug has potential to prevent relapseAn experimental drug that blocks the euphoric feelings associated with drinking may prevent alcoholics from relapsing. The finding, the result of a mouse study at Oregon Health & Science University, could lead to human clinical trials within the next year. "We showed we could block behavior in mice that resembles this increased euphoria even after the animals had been given a lot of alcohol," said Tamara Phillips, Ph.D., professor and vice chair of the behavioral neuroscience department at OHSU and a research scientist at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. "That's what you want in a treatment, because we don't get to people until after they become addicted to alcohol." Earlier research has shown that some people's brains become sensitized as a result of chronic exposure to alcohol. This change in the brain does not subside after people quit drinking. So when they begin consuming alcohol again, "they get a bigger jolt," Phillips said.
categories [ ]
|
OneStory ProjectWe are capturing the stories of children and others impacted by someone's alcoholism or alcohol addiction. First, check out current entries in the OneStory Project. Then get in touch and learn how to share your story (anonymous is fine). Support us!Please consider making a donation to Families in Recovery. We are a federally recognized 501c3 charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible and will allow us to do our important work. Please note, you do not need to have a Paypal account to make a donation.
|
