Binge Drinking is Likely in the Genes
In the world of alcohol consumption, there tends to be those who enjoy a steady stream of alcoholic fluids running through their systems, and others who prefer to only drink at certain times when they can consume as much alcohol as possible.
For a number of years, scientists have been studying the effects of alcohol on the human being and why some can drink in a social setting without taking the activity to excess, while others seem to need it to survive.
A recent study featured in a Science Daily release was conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers who have identified two genes associated with binge drinking.
These researchers determined that when manipulating two receptors in the brain – GABA receptors and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), they were able to record a profound reduction in binge drinking for two weeks in rodents that had been bred and trained for excessive drinking.
Excessive drinking has been found to be common among 30 percent of Americans who drink. Roughly 75,000 people die each year as a result of binge drinking. Cravings can be controlled with prescription drugs such as Revia and Campral.
Doctors often also prescribe anxiety medications to help alcoholics deal with withdrawal symptoms when trying to overcome their addiction.
This new study suggests that treatments that manipulate the GABA receptor and TLR4 offer the potential to reduce anxiety and control cravings. At the same time, there is little to no risk for addiction.
