At-risk alcoholism phenotype shows measureable brain changes (The Dana Foundation Website - 28 October 2011)

A new study may offer help in identifying those who are most at-risk for alcoholism.

Excerpt:

The National Institutes of Health estimate that nearly 18 million adults in the United States have an alcohol abuse disorder. Alcoholism is a disease that has great costs—to individuals, their families, and the public at large. While doctors are not currently able to predict who will become addicted to alcohol, research suggests that one’s level of sensitivity to it plays an important role. And a new study by scientists at the University of California, San Diego shows that this sensitivity changes how the brain processes information during a cognitive task—and may provide new information for prevention and education efforts...

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