New research for alcohol use disorder: LSU Health Shreveport
New research for alcohol use disorder: LSU Health Shreveport KTBS
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Excessive Drinking in the United States
Introduction
Excessive drinking is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In 2020 to 2021, excessive alcohol use was responsible for 178,000 deaths, which equals to about 488 deaths per day.
Understanding Addiction as a Chronic Brain Disorder
- In 2011, the American Society of Addiction Medicine defined addiction as a chronic brain disorder, not a behavior problem or the result of making bad choices.
- Addiction can change the way the brain works, rewiring its structure.
- The brain has a reward system that is activated by various activities, such as eating a piece of chocolate, spending time with loved ones, or going for a run.
- Alcohol use can trigger the release of dopamine, a reward produced in the brain.
The Role of Acetylcholine in Changing Behaviors
Dr. Armando Salinas believes that a chemical called acetylcholine is intricately involved in changing or altering behaviors. He states, “Under normal conditions, individuals are able to stop these bad patterns of behavior. And we know that the acetylcholine signaling system is involved in that—the ability to stop or to break or to change a pattern of behavior. This is dysfunctional in alcohol use disorder. If we correct that, will they be able to stop their drinking or drug seeking?”
Treatment Options and Future Research
- Treatment options for alcohol use disorder include social support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, cognitive behavioral therapy, and FDA-approved medications.
- Dr. Salinas and his lab at LSU Health Shreveport are hopeful they will uncover safe and effective ways to treat alcohol use disorder through the brain chemical acetylcholine in the future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders
- Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in liters of pure alcohol
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- Indicator 16.1.2: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months
The article addresses the issue of excessive drinking and its impact on preventable deaths in the United States. This issue is connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, specifically Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful use of alcohol. The article mentions that excessive alcohol use was responsible for 178,000 deaths in 2020 to 2021, highlighting the need for interventions to address this issue.
The article also mentions the involvement of a brain chemical called acetylcholine in changing or altering behaviors related to alcohol use disorder. This connects to ongoing research mentioned in the article, which aims to uncover safe and effective ways to treat alcohol use disorder through acetylcholine. While not explicitly mentioned in the article, this research aligns with SDG 3, Target 3.5, as it focuses on finding new treatment options for substance use disorders.
In terms of indicators, the article does not explicitly mention any specific indicators. However, Indicator 3.5.1 could be relevant to measure progress towards the target of strengthening treatment interventions for substance use disorders. The article mentions treatment options such as social support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, and FDA-approved medications, which could be considered as treatment interventions. Monitoring the coverage of these interventions would provide insights into progress towards the target.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | Indicator 16.1.2: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months |
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Fuente: ktbs.com
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