Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious issue that impacts over 200 health conditions. It is responsible for around 3 million deaths each year globally. This makes it a significant public health concern. It is estimated that about half of the risk for developing AUD is inherited. This means that genes play a big role in who might struggle with alcohol. So, what exac...
Medicaid is a big deal in the United States. It covers a huge chunk of people who need help with alcohol use disorder. The majority of Medicaid enrollees are managed by Medicaid Managed Care Plans (MCPs). These MCPs are responsible for providing health services to nearly 80% of Medicaid enrollees. This makes them the largest provider of addiction treatment service...
Picture this: a bunch of people taking snaps of their drinking scenes. This isn't just about having fun. It's about understanding why and how people drink. Researchers wanted to figure out what makes people drink more than they should. They looked at different situations and settings where people drink. They came up with a cool idea called the SPAIS framework. ...
Ozempic, a popular drug for diabetes and weight loss, has shown unexpected benefits in reducing alcohol consumption. A recent study involving 48 participants with moderate alcohol-use disorder found that those taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, drank significantly less alcohol and had fewer cravings compared to those on a placebo. This finding is e...
You might not realize this, but more people in the US are battling drinking problems and liver issues linked to alcohol. It's a serious deal, leading to more health issues and even deaths. So, what's being done to tackle this? Well, a new training program was introduced for gastroenterology fellows—young doctors specializing in the gut. This program teaches them all ...
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant worldwide health issue that lacks effective treatments. Scientists are still trying to grasp the biochemical pathways that cause this disorder. This is where metabolomics comes in—it's a promising method to understand the metabolic changes linked to AUD. Blood contains a wealth of bioactive molecules that mirror the body's...
Imagine if the medication you took for diabetes could also help you fight an addiction. That's what researchers are suggesting with Ozempic, a drug normally used to treat diabetes and promote weight loss. A recent study from Loyola University Chicago found that Ozempic might significantly reduce the risk of opioid overdoses and alcohol intoxication in people with sub...