Archive for June, 2010
Study Examines Relationship Between Puberty, Sleep and Alcohol
Why is it that teens feel the need to drink alcohol? Do they like the feeling of inebriation? Are they under pressure from their peers? Are they trying to escape something they are struggling to face?
Study Says Arrests for Drinking and Driving Highest Among Hispanic Population
A perplexing federal study says among the Hispanic population, car accidents are the third leading cause of fatalities – a trend likely attributed to drunk driving, substance abuse and social factors to maintain an overly-masculine attitude. In fact, the report also showed that in comparison to other races, Hispanic drivers represented a higher number of arrests and crashes for driving under the influence. Even more alarming, the study reported that car accidents are the chief cause of death for Hispanic young adults.
Binge Drinkers More Likely to Report Poor Overall Health
Heavy drinking leads to about 79,000 deaths per year in the United States, and more than half of those deaths are caused by binge drinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recently conducted a study and found that binge drinkers are 13 to 23 percent more likely to report poor health. Binge drinking is defined as having four or more drinks per drinking session for women and five or more for men.
Drinking Alcohol in Adolescence Affects Breast Health in Adulthood
There are many reasons for adolescents to avoid drinking alcohol. While there is often social pressure to drink when alcohol is available, those who do risk not only injury, but conflict with parents, a drop in academic performance and social sanctions from other adolescents who choose not to drink.
Reward Sensitivity Associated with Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol impacts many different brain functions. Individuals who become intoxicated may suddenly make decisions that they would not have made otherwise. Their inhibitions are lowered, helping them to relax, sometimes to the point of irresponsible behavior.