Sunday, October, 25, 2009

Alcohol Effect On Brain

Health Encyclopedia: Alcoholism Medications

Medications

In the U.S., three drugs are specifically approved to treat alcohol dependence:

Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol)
Acamprosate (Campral)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Naltrexone and acamprosate are categorized as anticraving drugs. Disulfiram is an aversion drug. Other types of medications, such as antidepressants, may also be used to treat patients with alcoholism.

Anticraving Medications

Anticraving drugs are opioid antagonists. These drugs reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol and the urge to dri...

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Expert & Community Posts

How Does Alcohol-Related Dementia Differ From Alzheimer's?

By Christine Kennard , Health Expert

...Alzheimer's dementia and alcohol-related dementia cause brain damage. In Alzheimer's, plaques... Read more »

How Does Alzheimer's Differ from Other Types of Dementia?

By Christine Kennard , Health Expert

...known as multi-infarct dementia. VaD is caused by brain damage due to strokes. Like Alzheimer's... Read more »

Drowning Your Sorrows: the link between alcohol and depression

By Jerry Kennard , Health Expert

...the effects are similar. Alcohol interferes with brain chemistry and leaves the individual... Read more »

The Many faces of ADHD - Dr. Amen

By Eileen Bailey , Health Expert

...children with ADHD one step further and began to use brain scan imaging as a way to help in the... Read more »

A Few Drinks Can Reduce Risk of Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's

By Christine Kennard , Health Expert

...theory that small amounts of alcohol might toughen up brain cells so that they cope better when... Read more »

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Health Guide

Alcoholism: Causes

...traits that make particular individuals susceptible to this disorder:The amygdala is an area of the brain thought to play a role in the emotional aspects of craving, which can lead to addiction.... Read more »

Alcoholism: Highlights

...programs that will help adolescents delay drinking.Quit Smoking When You Quit DrinkingSmoking hinders the brains ability to recover from alcoholism, suggests a 2006 study. In the study, patients... Read more »

Alcoholism: Introduction

...in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. The severity of this disease is influenced by factors such as... Read more »

Stroke Patient Guide, Part I: Signs and Symptoms

...Study. What is a stroke? What does it mean to have a stroke? Let's first find out what happens in the brain: Without a constant flow of oxygen-enriched blood, brain cells can become injured or ... Read more »

Alcoholism: Complications

...bleeding disorders (coagulopathy), increased pressure in the blood vessels (portal hypertension), and brain function disorders (hepatic encephalopathy). Excessive alcohol use is the leading cause... Read more »

Images

MRI of the brain

Related News

Treating Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

August 12, 2008

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The effects of fetal alcohol exposure may be more profound than researchers hoped. Results of a new study reveal the prenatal... Read summary »

The Genetics of Alcohol Abuse

November 24, 2008

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- DNA plays a role in the amount of alcohol you drink, researchers say. Among alcohol-dependent (AD) individuals, DNA variations... Read summary »

The Ups and Downs of Alcohol

December 02, 2008

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The negative health effects and social impacts of alcohol abuse are well know, but moderate alcohol intake can be beneficial.... Read summary »

Help for Alcoholics

May 05, 2008

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- For most of us, a drink of alcohol is a way to relax or socialize. But for some, drinking can be... Read summary »

Ladies, Keep an Eye on That Cholesterol!

February 21, 2007

By Betsy Lievense, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Now, even the fittest of females have a good reason to cut down... Read summary »

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