Further insight into the effect of alcohol on the brain's reward system has been reported in the journal of Science Translational Medicine. It found alcohol effects the orbitofrontal cortex and results in a release of endorphins, previously only proven in animal studies. These naturally produced pain relieving proteins have an action akin to morphine, leading to drinkers experiencing pleasurable feelings.
The study found that heavier drinkers found alcohol more pleasant than non-drinkers. It also describes how the endogenous opioid function in the brains of chronic drinkers appears to change, in a sense 'over-learning' problem drinking behaviours. See reports in the Telegraph and Daily Mail.
The study may help to explain the mechanism by which antagonists such as Naltrexone work successfully, which could lead to the further development of pharmacological treatment approaches. Nonetheless, from the position that environment and learned behaviours also contribute to the development of problem drinking, successful alcohol treatment approaches emphasise the role of psychosocial as well as medical interventions. See here for the review into the effectiveness of alcohol treatment and NICE guidance.
Recently the message of a little but not often came out for preventing the development of alcohol problems. Sir Iain Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance stated that having at least 2 alcohol free days each week was "a very good indicator of not being addicted". He emphasised the key is not to let regular consumption and rising tolerance end up as daily dependence, as experienced by as many as 1.6 million people in England.
This echoes calls from the Science and Technology Committee of MPs recently to urgently review alcohol guidelines and help the public to understand units better. The Change4Life website now contains public health messages about alcohol use within the context of a healthy lifestyle, and NHS Choices has useful tips for cutting down.
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