How too much alcohol changes the brain

+ the complex emotional issues of pet ownership US Edition - Today's top story: Alcohol use disorder can be treated with an array of medications – but few people have heard of them [View in browser]( US Edition | 22 May 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( A couple of recent stories published by our health desk reveal how much is changing in the treatment and understanding of alcohol use disorder, the medical term for what people often call alcoholism. Clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Joseph Schacht from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus describes the active area of research for [medicines to treat alcohol use disorder](, each of which target a different aspect of physiology, such as craving or alcohol metabolism. These medications complement the effective psychotherapies that exist, he writes. In another piece, Penn State neuroscientist Nikki Crowley underscores how repeated alcohol use, including binge drinking, [can lead to changes in the brain and its circuitry](. “With repeated alcohol use over time, the areas of the brain engaged by alcohol can shift away from those traditionally associated with drug use and reward or pleasure to brain regions more typically engaged during stress and anxiety,” she writes. Both Schacht and Crowley note how alcohol use increased substantially during the pandemic and how underdiagnosed alcohol use disorder is. Shockingly, alcohol is responsible for more deaths than overdoses from opioids and all other substances combined. Also in this week’s science news: - [Why raw milk is pasteurized and how it’s done]( - [Wind shear and its role in hurricanes]( - [Limiting cells’ iron uptake can improve asthma]( If there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate, please reply to this email. Martin LaMonica Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters Drugs used to treat alcohol use disorder have been on the market for decades but are rarely prescribed. Krit of Studio OMG/Moment via Getty Images [Alcohol use disorder can be treated with an array of medications – but few people have heard of them]( Joseph P. Schacht, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Alcohol is responsible for more deaths than overdoses from opioids and all other substances combined, yet less than 10% of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment. Pets can bring joy and companionship, as well as financial worries, loss and logistical challenges. Dann Tardif/Stone via Getty Images [Pets give companionship, cuddles and joy – and also unavoidable stresses]( Emily Hemendinger, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Pets often become an integral part of the family system, and some people say their bond to their pet is akin to that of a human child. Do you know how hard your water is? Tatiana Maksimova/Moment via Getty Images [Is hard water bad for you? 2 water quality engineers explain the potential benefits and pitfalls that come with having hard water]( Sarah Blank, Iowa State University; Timothy Ellis, Iowa State University Hard water might dry out your hair and skin − but having hard water isn’t necessarily a bad thing. [Bats in Colorado face fight against deadly fungus that causes white-nose syndrome]( Tanya Dewey, Colorado State University Numerous bats have been found in Colorado with white-nose syndrome. The fungus has killed millions of bats in North America, leaving biologists concerned about its impact on bats in the state. [Humans have been altering nature for thousands of years – to shape a sustainable future, it’s important to understand that deep history]( Todd Braje, University of Oregon Understanding how humans came to exert such enormous pressure on Earth’s ecosystems can inform more sustainable ways of living. [AI chatbots are intruding into online communities where people are trying to connect with other humans]( Casey Fiesler, University of Colorado Boulder People participate in online communities to share experiences and sympathy. AI chatbots that join the conversation can only pretend to offer either. [US participation in space has benefits at home and abroad − reaping them all will require collaboration]( Cheyenne Black, University of Oklahoma You have the US space program to thank for some of the technology in your phone and laptop. - [Wars cause widespread pollution and environmental damage − here’s how to address it in peace accords]( Richard Marcantonio, University of Notre Dame; Josefina Echavarria Alvarez, University of Notre Dame War is wreaking havoc on land, water and critical infrastructure in Ukraine and Gaza. Two experts on peace and conflict explain how to include such impacts in peace agreements. - [Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk]( Deborah Carr, Boston University; Enrica De Cian, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Giacomo Falchetta, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Ian Sue Wing, Boston University Older adults face greater health risks from extreme heat for several reasons. Communities can save lives by starting to make changes now. - [What is wind shear? An atmospheric scientist explains how it can tear down hurricanes]( Zachary Handlos, Georgia Institute of Technology Vertical wind shear can keep tropical storms in check, particularly during El Niño years. When El Niño is gone, ii’s often not as strong. - [Iron fuels immune cells – and it could make asthma worse]( - [What is pasteurization? A dairy expert explains how it protects against foodborne illness, including avian flu]( - [More military veterans and active duty service members are dying by suicide than in battle – understanding why can help with prevention]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our other weekly emails: • [Politics Weekly]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Giving Today]( • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Global Perspectives]( • [Global Economy & Business]( Follow us on social media: • [Threads]( • [Bluesky]( • [Mastodon]( • [Post.news]( • [LinkedIn]( • [Instagram]( • [Facebook]( • Or [get a daily text from us]( - - About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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