Alcohol dulls threat risk, ups rewards

Published: April 30, 2008 at 11:55 AM
LAUNCH OF THE BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

BETHESDA, Md., April 30 (UPI) -- Social drinkers, after drinking alcohol, have less sensitivity in the brain for detecting threats and more sensitivity to reward, a U.S. study said.

Jodi Gilman and Dr. Daniel Hommer at the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study activity in emotion-processing brain regions during alcohol exposure. Over two 45-minute periods, the study participants received either alcohol or a saline solution intravenously and were shown images of fearful facial expressions.

The study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, showed alcohol affects the brain by decreasing sensitivity to threats and increasing activity in brain regions involved in reward.

The same group of participants received both alcohol and placebo, on two separate days. Gilman's team found brain activity in participants receiving the placebo was spurred by the fearful expressions. However, these regions showed no increased brain activity when the participants were infused with alcohol.

In addition, those who became intoxicated activated striatal areas of the brain key to feelings of reward. This confirms previous findings and supports the idea that activation of the brain's reward system is a common feature of all drugs of abuse, the researchers said.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Munch's 'History' stolen from art dealer (7 min)
FDA considers new flu vaccine process
Dell enters Chinese smartphone market
UPI NewsTrack Business
New terms reached in Google book suit
4 jailed in online bank customer scam
Climate change killing sea turtles
fark
Thought the chimp attack was fierce? "[H]e grabbed my leg with his mouth and went to jerking on...
We can't stress this enough: If you're claiming disability checks, it's best not to be a golf champion...
Another day another student/teacher sex story. With hottie female teacher picture goodness
Career-limiting move of the day: While forwarding himself a copy of a "White Pride" email he wants...
You think you've got a tough job? Imagine being the veterinarian who has to help an elephant lose...
Art caskets: Because nothing symbolizes death with dignity more than being laid out in a "Return...