Hormone linked to Drug Addiction and Alcholism

New Study identifies hormone linked to drug addiction and alcohol abuse

Chicago 1/13/2010 08:42 PM GMT (TransWorldNews)

A study recently published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that the hormone ghrelin may not only be responsible for excessive overindulgence in food but in alcohol as well.

In the study, the mice injected with ghrelin, a hormone known to promote appetite and food intake, were more likely to choose alcohol over water when presented with the two choices. Conversely, the group of mice that were injected with a ghrelin antagonist as well as a control group of mice whose ghrelin receptors were removed, were both resistant to the alcohol.

Professionals at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Addiction Treatment Center commented on the study saying, “if scientists can create a way to block the physical desire for alcohol by decreasing the production of ghrelin without any adverse effects on the human body, not only could we be closer to conquering food addictions but alcohol addictions and possibly other drug addictions as well. “

Mountainside further states “there have been several promising studies that have been published recently which focus on the physiological dependence of drugs and alcohol. There’s no doubt these studies are certainly useful and beneficial to the scientific community, but we also need greater focus on the psychological and social dependence that drugs and alcohol create. While it may be difficult for a non-addicted person to understand these facets of the addiction, they are very powerful and can’t be switched on and off easily. And in order for a person to fully get into recovery, we must address those psychological and social factors. In the future, if we are able to conquer the physiological dependence with a shot or a pill, that will certainly go a long way in a person’s recovery. But, the public must understand that a shot or a pill is not a panacea for alcohol and drug rehab – that an addicted individual needs a personalized, multi-focused drug addiction treatment program as well as continued support in order to conquer his or her addiction.”