Research/Trends/Statistics

Researchers in the UK recently published the findings of a 30 year longitudinal investigation of moderate alcohol consumption and its effects on brain structure and function. They found that higher alcohol consumption was correlated with hippocampal atrophy, corpus callosum microstructural changes, and a decline in lexical fluency. If you are struggling with alcohol use disorder,…

A study of upper middle class youth suggests that this particular population has a higher than normal frequency of alcohol and drug use when tracked throughout the college years. In addition, researchers found that when parents established repercussions for substance use, the frequency of drunkenness, marijuana, and stimulant use decreased in adulthood. Adolescent drug and…

The genetics of addiction is a complex topic that researchers are just beginning to unravel. There is little doubt that substance use disorders are at least partially heritable and that certain genes increase the risk for individuals initiating drug use and continuing drug use, as well as use of other drugs and alcohol. However, researchers’…

Researchers have recently discovered that fetal alcohol exposure reduces responsiveness to the commonly bitter and burning taste of alcohol. This suggests that individuals exposed to alcohol before birth may find alcohol more appealing than their peers with more responsive gustatory systems. To read more, click here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170518134956.htm

Canadian researchers have found that high school students who used alcohol or marijuana were less likely to achieve academic success, as determined by class attendance, assignment completion, grade point average, and motivation. Longitudinal data indicated that those students who stopped using or decreased frequency of use were more likely to pursue higher education. If you…

Researchers have been examining gut microbiota to figure out how it contributes to human health for a while now. In fact, gut composition has already been linked to various health conditions, such as depression, allergies, obesity, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Two Dreams uses evidence-based methods in developing our nutrition program and therefore encourage a varied…

Researchers in England and Wales have correlating the rising number of opioid overdose deaths with a recent increase in pregabalin and gabapentin prescriptions. If you are struggling with opioid use disorder, please call us today at 504-510-2331.   Read more about the correlative study here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170511113513.htm

Researchers have found a significant correlation between frequent peer victimization at a young age and substance use in later adolescence. This suggests the necessity of peer victimization interventions for youth in order to diminish the likelihood of substance abuse and other long-lasting effects. Read more here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2017/05/04/peds.2016-3426

Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have found compelling evidence correlating genetic factors related to metabolism with some of the adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoid use. Their findings may help lead to pharmacological treatments in the future. If you are struggling with cannabinoid use disorder, please call us today at 504-510-2331. Read…

A study conducted using US national survey data shows that the risk of cannabis use disorders increased at a significantly greater rate in states that passed medical marijuana laws. This suggests that voters and legislators alike should consider the possible adverse consequences of cannabis use when considering the appropriateness of related health care laws. Read…